As we know, so many agricultural events and rodeos have been cancelled this year because of COVID. That includes both the Calgary Stampede and Edmonton's K-Days.
Farmfair International and later on, Farmtech, both at the Edmonton Expo Centre are also cancelled. Some events are going ahead, like Agri-trade in Red Deer in mid-November, and now there's word the 42nd annual Lloydminster Stockade round up is also a go for November 4th to the 7th. Sydney Lake, the agriculture manager with the Lloydminster exhibition says the committee has been holding ongoing discussions about this, for months. "Our committee met in late spring. May is when we started our conversations about how we would see the fall and the coming months going. We had several meetings discussing what the logistics would look like and what kind of show we could put on following all of the COVID restrictions and guidelines that were put in front of us. It was quite easy to see that our committee was very passionate and motivated to do whatever they could to make this show happen. It is very important to our association, our ag society, and the whole ag industry in our region and across the province to have a livestock show of this size and magnitude."
"We get exhibitors from all over the prairie provinces that showcase their genetics and their breeding program," comments Lake. "It is a great outlet for them to reach new customers, meet people, and build their brand. We felt that it was important for us to be leaders, take on the challenge, and prove that we could do this because our industry needs it."
Lake says the response from exhibitors has been very positive. "It was really encouraging to see the support from the producers and the industry that kept checking in to make sure our plans were still moving forward. That was really helpful because there was a lot of uncertainty and challenges that we came across in the planning process. It was nice to have those phone calls and encouraging words that people will come if we are able to do it."
Click here to see more...