A fixture in the Dresden community for the last 141 years continued to roll on Friday night, as the Dresden Exhibition kicked off.
Lucille Laprise, president of the Dresden Agricultural Society, said the tradition continued this year not only for the fair, but for her family.
“I’m very proud that my own daughter was fair Ambassador years ago and now here today my grandchildren are fair prince and princess. How lucky am I?” she said.
“That is how it goes. Tradition goes on, that’s what the Dresden Exhibition is all about. That is how we are 141 years old because of tradition. Everybody gets involved and everybody has a passion for the fair and for the Agricultural Society. We encourage our youth to participate and do the best that they can and to get involved.”
Laprise said she wanted to thank all the people from the past, who organized and built the Exhibition over the years.
“We certainly can’t forget them,” she said.
“They led us to where we are and we just jumped in where they left off and we try to continue and move forward and do the best that we can.”
Laprise said the fair is a little bit different this year.
“We have Carvapalooza, that’s at the back. We’ve got inflatable rides this year, that’s new for us. We’ve got the horse sow, cattle show, there’s a lot of great things going on,” she said.
North Kent Coun. Joe Faas said it takes a great volunteer effort each year to put on the fair.
“I’d like to thank the past and present directors, members and volunteers for your commitment and dedication in making the Exhibition such a success over the 141 years,” he said.
“I looked at the events and activities that are being presented at this year’s fair and I encourage each and every one to come out and support the fair and enjoy yourselves. There is something there for all ages. A lot of work and effort goes into making this a success.”
East Kent Coun. David Vandamme said he is proud of the longevity of the fair.
“141 years, that’s simply incredible,” he said.
“When I look at the things we do on the Municipal level we hire all kinds of consultants and experts to look at what we do well, on how we can build tourism and events. For me it’s very simple, I feel it here and I feel it every weekend when I’m out and about.. I see the passion, the volunteerism, and the community spirit that starts in small communities like this, to make our entire Municipality great. It all starts with our youth and I’d like to thank each and everyone here tonight to participate in what I believe, is the hottest Dresden Exhibition ever.”
Here are some photos from the opening night of the fair:
