As we reflect on 2019 and began to prepare for 2020, there is quite a run of emotions. CWA 2019 was a successful show in terms of attendance, exhibitors, sales, and excitement. Our new partnership with the Saskatchewan Roughriders resulted in great numbers at the gate with the free Monday admission. Despite the harsh growing season and especially tough harvest, show entries and sales figures remained strong and steady. The barns definitely had a buzz throughout the CWA 2019 show week. We are proud of our international and incoming buyers program, which continues to grow each year. 2019 brought in over 1,400 international guests and 230 international buyers. We had many requests for 2020 show information before 2019’s show was even over! Education is a foundational element for Agribition. Educating Saskatchewan youth about all aspects of the agriculture sector is important and we were pleased to have over 10,000 school children on the grounds this year. In 2019, we introduced a new rodeo circuit finals, Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo. This new Pro Rodeo event was a great success, brought in new sponsorship and included a special celebrity appearance, Amber Marshall from CBC’s hit show Heartland. It was exciting to have Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister, David Marit on the grounds this year. Minister Marit and Minister Bibeau spent the better part of a day touring the facilities and meeting with exhibitors along the way. Everyone here at CWA is working hard towards the 50th show, November 30th to December 5th; the very same dates as the first show back in 1971. It is amazing to think of the change in conditions and facilities throughout the years. One thing that has remained constant over all the years is that none of this could happen without the continued dedication and support of exhibitors, sponsors, CWA staff, the Board of Directors and the hundreds of volunteers who show up year after year. Let’s make 2020’s 50th show an unforgettable one! Regards,
Chris Lees President of Canadian Western Agribition
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