Medicine Hat, AB – Over the past 132 years, the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede has seen a lot of changes.
One thing that hasn’t changed is its agricultural roots.
According to Jim MacArthur, general manager of the Stampede, that’s why this year the theme of the event is a ‘Spotlight on Agriculture’.
“I think that over the generations, the role of fairs and exhibitions have changed.” MacArthur said. “Fairs were often a place where people in the agricultural industry actually came for information and that’s changed over time. And I think really now our role is more of an advocate for agriculture.”
MacArthur says that one of the biggest ways they are spotlighting it is to have the Country in the City exhibit be right at the main entrance.
The exhibit was created in 2006 with the focus on providing a connection between urban and rural.
“There’s a huge variety of farm animals that will be in the hall. There will also be examples of modern irrigation. There will be centre pivot pieces that will be put on display. Just a lot of things in really about a 20,000 square foot space.”
With the Kinplex renovations, the main gates will be moved to the Cypress Centre, where Country in the City will be set up.
