Agriculture and Food
The Prince George Exhibition turns 100 this year and to celebrate the occasion, the Province of British Columbia presented the Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association with a Century Farm Award.
On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture Don McRae, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell applauded the century of contributions the association has made to British Columbia's agriculture sector and to community pride.
The exhibition was started three years before the City of Prince George was incorporated. The exhibition has gone through many changes over the years, but still strives to meet its founding members' goal of providing a place where farmers and townspeople would exhibit, compete and promote local agriculture.
In 2012, the Prince George Exhibition is still bringing families together. Events and activities will include barrel racing, a pancake breakfast, 4-H agriculture displays and auctions, home arts and horticulture exhibits, live entertainment and fireworks.
Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for a century or longer as well as pioneers whose farms and ranches have been in families for 100 years or more. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.
To view downloadable photo of the award presentation, please visit:
Quotes:
Minister of Agriculture Don McRae -
"A trip to the Prince George Exhibition provides families with a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the people who provide the foods we eat. Congratulations to the Prince George Exhibition for its one hundred year history of promoting agriculture in B.C."
Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell -
"I want to recognize the contributions of everyone who has been involved with the Prince George Exhibition over the last 100 years. Your commitment and hard word has helped make our community what it is today."
Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond -
"It is a remarkable achievement to have a successful event for a century. This special recognition is awarded to agricultural organizations that have been operating for 100 years. The Prince George Exhibition has left a mark in history and it is very appropriate that they have been honoured with a Century Farm Award."
Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association president Nancy Loreth -
"This award pays tribute to the countless volunteers that have collectively contributed to the overall longevity of this organization. The Prince George Agricultural and Historical Association has been promoting agriculture and bringing our community together, by hosting an annual exhibition, for a century. In fact, the first exhibition was held three years before our city was incorporated and is an original community builder! We are so appreciative to receive this recognition."
Quick Facts:
- To date, 98 family farms or organizations have received the Century Farm Award.
- The Century Farm Award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Learn More:
For more information about B.C.'s Century Farm program: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm
To find out more about the Prince George Exhibition: http://www.pg-x.com/
For a comprehensive list of B.C. fairs: www.bcfairs.ca
Media Contact:
Kathryn Hardy
Communications
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693
