By Rori Bennett – Junior Reporter
The 144th annual Dresden Exhibition kicked off this past Friday, July 26.
The weather was clear and warm, creating an inviting atmosphere for the hometown agricultural fair.
The midway opened with rides, games, and food vendors at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon.
The fair officially commenced with a parade on Friday evening.
Following the parade, the opening ceremonies were held in the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre.
Speeches were made by Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff; Dresden Exhibition Ambassador, Erin Wilbur; Dresden Agricultural Society Director, Margaret Gough; Gary Patterson; Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP, Bev Shipley; Conservative Party candidate Leanne Rood; Fair Marshall’s Darren and Christal Wills; and others.
“What I love so much about the fair – think about it- 144 years that we have been doing this… this fair is what defines our community,” Mayor Canniff told the crowd during his speech.
“Community events are what define Dresden… and Dresden, you’re second-to-none as far as community spirit and as far as getting out there.”
Mayor Canniff added: “I want to thank all of the volunteers, because those are the ones that make it. You take all of the people, and there are a lot of volunteers that give from the heart to Dresden. I want to thank them for that.”
Friday evening events concluded with night one of the Summer Nationals two night Truck and Tractor Pull.
Here are some photos from the Dresden Exhibition on Friday night:
