The Cape Breton County Farmers’ Exhibition is marking its 99th year.
“It’s amazing to think that 99 years have come and gone,” says organizer Maureen Murphy.
At just 19-years-old, Adam Sampson is attending his first exhibition with his own display of cattle.
“Wanted to be a farmer my whole life,” says Sampson. “To be a first generation farmer is something extra special. There's not a whole lot of people my age starting this sort of thing.”
While the number of farmers has been dwindling over the years, registration in youth 4-H programs is actually on the rise.
“We have a lot of young people that are coming up from farm families that want to carry on the tradition,” says Murphy. “So the challenge would be that there are less farms and less farmers, but there's still a great deal of interest.”
4-Hers and their horses took part today in showmanship competitions.
“When you're showing, you don't really have to think about anything. It's just go with the flow and everybody's really nice,” says 4-H member Katelyn MacDonald.
“I like how you always have to remember everything, and always be on point. I love how challenging it is,” says 4-H member Erica Johnson.
This year's exhibition has only just begun, but organizers are already thinking ahead to next year when the event will mark its centennial anniversary.
“You wouldn't believe how excited people in the community are about the 100th coming,” says Murphy. “Even people who are bringing in their crafts and flowers today are saying ‘next year's the 100th, next year's the 100th.’”
A milestone made possible by the people continuing the craft today.
“It's the families, the same families that keep coming year after year, after year. It's generational, they keep it going,” says Murphy.
The exhibition runs until Saturday.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
