See You at the 96th PGX!

August 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th 2008

 Thank You for your support and attending the 2008 PGX!  Mark the 97th PGX on your calendar:  August 13-16 2009.  What a Show it will be!

 Upcoming events:

 Invitation only Sponsor Recognition and Thank You luncheon.  Friday September 16th.Moose Hall at 633 Douglas Street.  Noon-1:30pm

Invitation only Wrap Up Dinner:  tba

Annual General Meeting:  tba

 Want to get involved in our community's largest and longest running family event and agricultural fair (since 1912)?  We are accepting applications for positions on our Board of Directors.  There are many ways to get involved!  Please contact:  Maureen Thompson, Nominating Chair at 250 964-4677 or the PGX General Office at 250 563-4096. 

Before the City of Prince George was realized and the railroad arrived; the same year that the Huble and Seebach General Store at the historic Huble Homestead  opened – the first Prince George Exhibition was held.  According to Ted Williams, one of Prince George’s most notable local historians in “See You at the Ex”, by Lois Rush, “A few men met, had a few drinks, put their straw hats together and came up with the idea of a fall fair”.  They hoped that townspeople and farmers in the district would exhibit, compete, enjoy themselves and draw the community together.

Only in a handful of instances has the fair been cancelled; it has weathered the storm of two world wars, times of hardship and prosperity, growth and development, growing pains and change.  This spirit continues - On August 7, 8, 9, 10 2008 the Prince George Exhibition (PGX) will celebrate its 96^th year. 

The Prince George Agricultural & Industrial Association (PGAIA) is a non profit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors, volunteer committee chairs and members, a full time general manager and grant sponsored seasonal staff.  The real power behind this massive community event are the thousands of volunteers and competitors, sponsors and funding organizations and YOU, the fairgoer. 

The PGX was recently awarded the prestigious title “Provincial Fair” for 2008, by the Minister of Agriculture and Lands as a result of taking top place in a very competitive agriculturally related challenge in 2007 (tied with the Bulkley Valley fair in Smithers).  The PGX is an official BC150 celebratory event adding a whole new exciting dimension to the fair!

On Saturday August 9th we are hosting the Stetson Round Up Dance and are looking forward to your attendance!  We have booked a host of exciting entertainment with an indoor stage in Kin I featuring Abba & Fleetwod Mac tribute bands, Canadian Comedians Mike McDonald and hometown PG boy Matt Billon, strolling entertainers that will amuse and WOW you, a jam packed outdoor community stage featuring local talent and the PGX Idol contest in the food court (mini donuts, perogies, corn on the cob, ethnic foods and so much more!) and other attractions that fairgoers will not see anywhere else, including our infamous pig and duck racers.  This is in addition to the activities in LittleTown, a quilt fair, an expanded Heritage Lane with a fiddle contest and other live entertainment, Provincial 4-H activities, PGARA mini stock races, cruisn’ classic car show, diesel truck pulls, the traditional fireworks show (to music!) and non stop agricultural related events, activities and exhibits including Heavy Horse pulls, sheep dog trials and the top dog agility show. 

New this year is West Coast Amusements Midway!  Back are all the classics like the zipper and the tilt a whirl along with thrill rides.  More rides, More Fun!

   2008 will be a fair to remember! 

. 

Terri McConnachie

Exhibition General Manager