Every year, Farmfair International is offering new events and programs to keep the long-running ag show fresh for attendees. This is especially important this year as Northlands — the organizers of Farmfair — strive to attract guests who may not ordinarily attend an agricultural event.
This year’s show is being held Nov. 6-10 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Here are some highlights of the new events attendees can take in while there. For more information, visit farmfairinternational.com.
The Rabbit Show
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When: Nov. 8-9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: EXPO Centre, Hall A
Farmfair International is the place to be for anyone interested in the wide world of rabbits. A production of the Edmonton Area Rabbit Society (E.A.R.S.), The Rabbit Show is new to Farmfair this year. The exhibit features an array of our hare-y friends from around the world including the huge Flemish Giants, the floppy ears of the Holland Lops and the sleek-coated Rex.
Honey Show
When: Nov. 6-10
Where: t.b.a.
Presented in partnership with the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, this show is a display of honey from around the province.
“A judge will award ribbons to the best honey and other items,” said Jessie Radies, manager of agriculture with Northlands.
Prairie Pine Emporium
When: Nov. 6-9, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Hall H, EXPO Centre
Prairie Pine Emporium is a craft market that was piloted during K-Days this past summer. Billed as “a collection of creativity made right here in Alberta,” it features makers, artists, vintage sellers, local producers and service providers showcasing a broad range of creative efforts.
“One of the requests we got from a lot of our attendees was the ability to do more Christmas shopping while they were at Farmfair. We have added this craft market in response,” said Radies.
Information on applying for vendor space is available at the On the Spot Pop Ups website at onthespotpopups.com/apply/.
The Learning Centre
When: Various times
Where: Garden Court Area, EXPO Centre
Although Farmfair has long featured a variety of technical speakers at locations throughout the venue, this is the first year they have all been gathered in one central spot. It is called The Learning Centre.
“(The Learning Centre) will be just outside of Halls A, B and C where the shows are happening and where the animals are stalled during the day,” said Radies, adding the speaker schedule has been “tightened up” to feature shorter presentations.
“I’m hoping this format of shorter speakers located close to the show rings will allow our exhibitors to participate more in the technical presentations as well as the guests attending Farmfair courses.”
The presentations will include a calving workshop by the University of Calgary, “Reducing Predation by Wildlife” by the Alberta Trappers Association, “Farm Values” by Lee Anderson, “Farm Business Planning” by Art Lange, “Succession Planning” and “Tough Enough” — a mental health workshop.
Further information, including times and newly booked speakers, is available on the Farmfair website.
