Moos, baas and clucks at the Ex

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/06/2018 (2990 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Along with the thrills of the midway, sweet taste of cotton candy and music of the daily evening concerts, you will encounter some furry, fuzzy, feathered and four-legged friends at the Red River Ex.

The Ex, running from June 15 to 24, is in its 67th year, and communications manager Jodi Johnson said guests will have the chance to get up close to a variety of animals.

“We just keep adding more agriculture,” she said.

Prairie Town Adventures includes an interactive experience in which children don aprons, get baskets,  then visit eight stations where they receive an agricultural product such as a piece of sheep’s wool at each one. After visiting all the stations, they can trade their farm goods in at a market where they will be able to buy a small prize.

“The kids really like this because they get involved,” Johnson said.

Animal Encounters gives children the chance to pet animals. Beef, dairy, pork, chicken and sheep producer group representatives are on hand to share information at their respectively displays in Noventis Discovery Place.

“People really ask for the animals,” Johnson said. “It’s what sets us apart from other exhibitions.”

She noted that the displays can help newcomers to Canada to learn about our agricultural industry.

Members of antique tractor club from Rockland and Springfield are bringing some of their machines to the Ex.

The Manitoba Hunter Jumper Association holds an annual competition in the main show ring from June 15 to 17 where riders compete for over $10,000 in prize money.

Dog fans can watch canine stars perform feats at daily shows. From June 21 to 24, guests can watch working dog demonstrations.

“They will show how stock dogs herd sheep,” Johnson said, adding that sheep shearing will also be demonstrated.

She said the Red River Exhibition Association has made an effort to focus on attracting families to the Ex. While there are plenty of food and drink options to choose from, guests are also able to bring in their own food and drinks.

“You can have a picnic and make a day of it.”

Ex-goers must use Festival Drive, one set of lights west past Racetrack Drive, to access a 2,000 space parking lot. Shuttles run from the parking lot to the entrance gate.

Gate admission purchased in advance from May 15 to June 24 is $12 plus GST for those over age six, while children age six and under get in free. A discount on all-day midway rides ends on June 14. Advance tickets are available at Giant Tiger, Sobeys, Safeway, Mac’s and Peavey Mart locations or through www.redriverex.com