Moose Jaw hosts annual hometown fair and horse show

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

The time has come to once again discover the fun, food and magic of the Moose Jaw Hometown Fair and Horse Show. The 124th annual fair will be held from June 22 to 24 this year, on the fair grounds in Moose Jaw.

“The Moose Jaw Hometown Fair and Horse Show has been around since 1873,” stated Glen Louis, General Manager of the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company Ltd. “The fair started back in the 1800s as an agriculture society event and then progressed. As time went on, entertainment and amusement rides were added.”

This year’s theme is “Saluting 90 years of 4-H” to represent the partnership the fair has built with the

4-H organization over its many years. Organizers continue to partner with the 4-H club, which holds its annual beef show and sale in conjunction with the event.

“As usual, we have a little taste of everything this year,” Louis said. “We have the original miniature to light and heavy horse shows, and this year we have added a couple of different events.”

A colt-breaking demonstration will be put on by Garry Hunt, a very well known and reputable expert in this field from Calgary. He will be demonstrating how to break a colt that has never been halter-broken or ridden before. The presentation will take place in a five-hour timeframe over a three-day period. By the final day, Hunt says the horse will be broken. More information on his work is available on the website at www.breakingcolts.com.

“Other attractions include a llama show and cattle shows,” Louis added. “The livestock events recognize the best in the agricultural backbone of our community.”

A number of different main stage shows will also be taking place. They include a MuchMusic Video Dance Party and a singing competition entitled “Moose Jaw Idol.”

Louis highlighted other unique demonstrations that will be featured as part of the fair. “Rick Mahone, a chainsaw carver, will perform a fascinating show through the weekend, cutting designs into 10-inch round logs. As well, the West Coast Lumberjack Show features a repertoire of lumberjack-type activities that are very exciting to watch. It’s definitely something you don’t see everyday in Saskatchewan!”

The fair will also explore old-fashioned pleasures through its “Lifestyles” displays, including the best in baking, canning, sewing, photography and handicrafts. As a tribute to seniors, a Seniors’ Tea will be held Friday afternoon, as well.

“The intent of the fair is to provide education and entertainment to area citizens of all ages. Everybody has an opportunity to participate and enjoy the event. People are encouraged to come down and take in the rural flavour,” Louis said.

More information on the Moose Jaw Hometown Fair and Horse Show can be found by accessing the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company’s website at www.moosejawex.com, or by e-mailing moosejawexh@sasktel.net.

For more information, contact:
Glen Louis, General Manager
Moose Jaw Exhibition Company Ltd.
Phone: (306) 692-2723