Organizers hoping new focus gives Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition new life

The Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition officially kicked off Monday in Bible Hill, N.S with a series of 4-H and agriculture-related activities.

“We’re really excited about what’s happening. It’s bigger and better than its ever been and we think it’s going to be a great boost to the economy of the local area,” said Joe Nicholson, general manager of the exhibition.

This is the 70th year the provincial exhibition has taken place. Despite it’s longevity, the event hasn’t always been financially stable. Two years ago, the province took over the Provincial Exhibition Commission and the Truro Raceway following tens of thousands of dollars in missed loan payments.

READ MORE: Jobs and horses might not survive if Truro Raceway dies

Officials won’t say how much money is still owed, but say they feel they can make the exhibition a success again.

“What we’ve done is we’ve tried to build on the positives and the things that have gone well in previous years and really add some events that really focus on local, on agriculture and on families and I think that focus will really help us this year,” said Nicholson.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "What we've done is we've tried to build on the positives and the things that have gone well in previous years and really add some events that really focus on local, on agriculture and on families and I think that focus will really help us this year," said Nicholson.

Organizers say people can expect a new feel when they visit the exhibition this year.

“We’ve had an incredible amount of sponsorship this year, in cash and also in kind contribution, which has allowed us to bring in new activities, new events, new things for people to look forward to, but also they’ll notice a big improvement in the venue itself,” said co-organizer Amanda Langille.

It’s hoped a re-brand of the exhibition, which focuses on families, will help attract more people.

“It’s the promise of something new, something different and that’s what our community needs. This is the longest standing event in Colechester County and what better way to offer something back to the community after all this time then a new and improved exhibition,” said co-organizer Tanya Colburne.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's the promise of something new, something different and that's what our community needs. This is the longest standing event in Colechester County and what better way to offer something back to the community after all this time then a new and improved exhibition," said co-organizer Tanya Colburne.

“Even in the last few years, when its not necessarily been at its prime, we’ve still been drawing 15-20,000 people, which is quite something as far as were concerned but we’d obviously like to see that increase.”

The Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition runs until Saturday. A full list of the weeks events can be found here.