Organizers are putting in long hours this week as the Portage Ex prepares to welcome visitors for another action-packed weekend.
This year’s event promises something for everyone, including midway rides, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, live music, agriculture shows, and more.
Board member Kaitlyn Richaud says the team is working hard to bring it all together for families to enjoy.
“We are working really hard at getting all of our stuff set up so the kids can have fun all weekend,” notes Richaud. “We are having our petting zoo. As always, my kids spend countless hours there, just loving all the pets that they don't get to see on a regular basis.”
Bouncers, reptiles and learning with eggs
Richaud continues by highlighting some of the new and returning attractions for kids.
“We've got bouncy castles this year, so Jump Up Bouncers are going to have my children exhausted within hopefully two hours,” she adds. “Mr. Circus is going around and doing some really fun, magical things.”
Fraser Reptiles is back as well, and the Ag on the Move trailer is set up to teach kids about food and farming in a hands-on way.
Entertainment and contests for all ages
Board member Sonya Smith says the fair isn’t just for kids, there’s something lined up for every age group.
“We have cattle shows and horse shows happening the entire weekend. We have vendors of all sizes, indoor and out,” says Smith. “We have a karaoke contest on Saturday, 2:00 to 4:00 with cash prizes. You can pre-register for that when you get there around 1:30 p.m.”
She adds that the mainstage will feature tribute bands every night, with performances from Damn the Torpedoes (Tom Petty), Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar), Hot Blooded (Foreigner), and Unchained (Van Halen). The weekend wraps up with Kate’s Outlaw Band and Quentin Blair on Sunday night.
Celebrating agriculture and 4-H achievements
One of the fair’s key highlights is the 4-H cattle show and auction. The 4-H Market Steer & Lamb Sale will take place Friday at 2 p.m., while the PeeWee show goes Sunday at 10 a.m.
Both Smith and Richaud say the fair couldn’t happen without the tireless efforts of volunteers, staff, and sponsors.
“We'd like to thank our staff that's basically been living in their office for the last couple of weeks,” Smith says. “We really appreciate them.”
The Portage Ex is recognized as Manitoba’s longest-running fair, and organizers say this weekend’s turnout is expected to reflect just how beloved the tradition is.
4-H events get underway at 9 a.m. on Friday.
Click here for the full schedule of events.
- with files from Brittany Boschman
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