Canadian Western Agribition returns to Regina – Regina | The Canadian News

The familiar sights, sounds and smells of Canadian Western Agribition returned to Regina after it was canceled last year thanks to the pandemic. Walking through the gardens, all the vendors say that it is good to be back.

“We are very excited to be here. This is our first trade show since February 2020 and we are very excited for it to be Agribition; it’s one of the best trade shows we attend, ”says Kristin Smith, Hoffman horse feed representative.

Richie Bros. auctioneer Blair Stenberg adds: “It’s great to be back, see people again, see some old friends, meet new ones, of course, and get involved in everything that happens with Agribition.”

The Sparke Sisters, Lynn Johnson and Carlene Bender traveled from Alberta to be part of this year’s Agribition. They say new and old customers are worth seeing in person. “We love meeting new people and showing everyone what we’ve been working on behind the scenes. We love that they pick up things and buy them on the spot. “

Over the course of six days, there will be 96 events to host and more than 300 booths and vendors. The first day was free for all who wanted to take a look at the competitions, livestock and vendors that will fill the International Trade Center.

Tuesday is when things get really busy. Canadian Western Agribition CEO Chris Lane says: “Tuesday night the big event for us is jousting, with the return of the Knights of Valor. This year they are going to have sword fights. Then Wednesday through Saturday is when the Maple Leaf finale begins, one of the best rodeos you have ever seen. “

At the Brandt Center, the first round of competition and chores team demonstrations were held, where the horses are guided through a course designed to test the skills of the horses and drivers. Every obstacle on the field is an example of what teams in the rand would face in their daily tasks.

The Stock Exchange is a popular Agribition sweepstakes. It is home to heifers, Bull Pen Alley, The Yard, Bison, and Texas Longhorns. The Bison Awards were presented on Monday. It was a big event where the competitors weren’t happy to see each other in person, but they spoke to the other farmers after a difficult year dealing with supply shortages, drought and the pandemic.

“The spirits are tall to be together, and that gives some comfort for the winter. People are making some connections to help each other, ”says Keegan Kitzul, president of show sales for the Canadian Bison Association.

Each year, the Canadian Bison Association holds a “Fun Auction” on the first night of Agribition. This year they raised over $ 13,000 and will make a $ 10,000 donation to the BC Council of Agriculture to help with flood relief in the Fraser Valley.

Morale is high among farmers who are happy to see old friends after last year’s Agribition was canceled. “Maybe we hit each other on the elbows instead of shaking hands now that frankness among bison farmers is back where it was,” says Canadian Bison Association Convention Committee Chair Richard Johnson.

The Canadian Western Agribition is open from now until November 27, promoting agriculture and showcasing all that Saskatchewan has to offer. Traditionally it attracts more than 100,000 people and contributes around $ 73 million to the provincial economy.

1:36Commissioning for the return of Agribition next week in Regina