Pioneer Acres is gearing up to host its 55th annual show, and this year’s celebration promises to be bigger and better than ever.
“Oh yes, we have our 55th annual show coming up,” said Diana Rowe, marketing coordinator for Pioneer Acres. “We’re very excited about it this year. We are going to have some big equipment on site for this year's show.”
Held over three days from August 8 to 10, the event is a full-scale heritage experience, showcasing vintage machinery, traditional farming techniques, and family-friendly fun.
Known for celebrating prairie life and agriculture, the event features live demonstrations, including horse-drawn fieldwork, steam-powered equipment, and crop harvesting.
“We do have tractor pulls. We have field work with horses and steam. We also harvest the crop,” said Rowe.
“We have miniature threshing demonstrations going on, and inside the new gallery, we have some exciting exhibits.”
The site includes a restored early 1900s farmhouse and one-room schoolhouse, immersing visitors in the experience of rural Alberta’s past.
“It even has a dumb waiter in it. How many people know what a dumb waiter is?” Rowe laughed.
Rowe says the event is designed for all generations.
“There are activities for children around the grounds. We have little tractor pulls that they can ride—the pedal tractors that they can pedal and have their little tractor pull in the morning,” she said.
“We have a playground area set up, games and things for the kids to do, and then of course we have the big red barn and a lot of horses coming in.”
This year’s theme includes a special nod to Caterpillar’s 100th anniversary.
They are helping Caterpillar celebrate 100 years, Rowe said.
“We have one of the smallest Caterpillars ever made inside the gallery this year, and outside on the grounds, we’re going to have some of the biggest being made today. A 1952 Cat dozer and a brand-new Centennial D6 Dozer will be on display side-by-side.”
Each day starts with a pancake breakfast, followed by events that run throughout the day and into the evening. Rowe said,
“We have the concessions—the Lions concessions. There’s a steak supper on Friday and Saturday evening. The concession is open for regular food fare.”
Dry camping is available for $20 for the entire weekend. So, you can bring your camper out and then walk into the grounds every day and have some fun.
Weekend passes and daily admission are available. Family admission is $40 for two adults and up to four youth. An adult is $15, seniors $12, youth $9, and children under six are free.
New additions this year include Boots & Boogie line dance instruction all three afternoons, as well as entertainment in the evenings.
“The Stampede princesses are coming on Sunday, and they will be helping us lead the parade in the afternoon,” Rowe said.
The event takes place at Pioneer Acres, located on the north side of Irricana, Alberta. For more details click here.
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