The annual homecoming in Dresden is set to take place this weekend, as the 142nd running of the Dresden Exhibition is ready to roll.
Lucille Laprise the president of the Dresden Agricultural Society, told the Sydenham Current that they have a ton of great options available this year for all ages.
“First of all we have got Robertson Midway that are coming,” she said.
First time for them, but they are a top notch entertainment midway. We are really looking forward to having them.”
Laprise said the midway will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“We really want to stress that we have a great midway this year,” Laprise said. “You can get passes at McKellar’s Flowers or you can get them at the fair office or from many directors also. Cost is $35 for 40 tickets for a ride pass.”
Laprise said admission to the grounds is 100% free, along with free parking.
A new feature this year is the two-day tractor pull taking place at the Dresden Raceway.
“We are going to have a tractor pull Friday night and then again on Saturday night,” she said.
“The tractor pull, there is an admission. $15 a night. 10 and under are free. You can get a weekend pass for $25 and that’s for Friday and Saturday night.”
The annual parade will kick things off on Friday night, with the participants marshaling at Larry Tiffin Park, across from Foodland, at 5 p.m.. The parade itself will begin at 6 p.m. and will make its way through the downtown core, before arriving at the Fairgrounds.
Laprise said the theme this year is ‘Canada 150.’
“We thought that it would be nice to have 150 entries,” she said.
“We are trying to incorporate the ‘Canada 150’ in everything we do this year. Even in the baby show and everything we are going to. We will take as many entries as we can for the parade. Everybody is welcome to be part of the big parade that we are going to be hosting.”
The opening ceremonies, along with the announcement of the Ambassador of the Fair will be held at the Dresden Arena auditorium at 7 p.m.
“This year we have seven contestants for the Ambassador competition,” Laprise said.
“We haven’t had that many in a long time. So that is going to be good. They will all be in the parade. There is no entry fee. The more the merrier. We would just love to have everybody.”
The schedule it jam packed on Saturday with multiple events.
“We have got the horse shows, the cattle show, we have got the teddy bears, the baby show, which is also a really big calling card. We would just love to have all the babies we can,” she said.
“Also on Saturday we have got the peddle pull on at 3 p.m. We also have on Saturday afternoon, ‘Rise to Fame’ which is the youth talent search.
On Sunday, there will be the soap box derby. Anyone interested in participating need to register that morning at 9 a.m. The participants need to bring their own carts.
“We still have got the sheep show and then this year as well we have got the rabbit show. Of course you have got to come and see harness racing on Sunday. It is harness racing at its best and everybody is invited to see that too because that is always a great afternoon.”
For more information about entering the parade or other events, contact Laprise at 519-683-4150.
For more details about the event, visit: dresdenex.com
– Photo credit: Tami Eagen
