Bridgewater, Nova Scotia – Department of Canadian Heritage

The South Shore Exhibition, a Bridgewater tradition that started back in 1891, is bigger and better than ever after 123 years and ready to welcome local residents and visitors to this six-day event.

The South Shore Exhibition Commission will receive $13,800 in funding for this year’s edition of the South Shore Exhibition under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program.

Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The South Shore Exhibition, commonly known as The Big Ex, will take place in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, from July 22 to 27. Activities will include musical concerts, dance performances, demonstrations, displays of local antique artifacts, and local history talks.

Quick Facts

• The South Shore Exhibition has taken place every year since 1891, with the exception of 1939, when the Canadian military took over the grounds to train the West Nova Scotia Battalion.
• South Shore Exhibition activities will present the work of 170 local artists, artisans, and heritage performers and involve the participation of 440 volunteers.
• The "Big Ex" now covers approximately 42 acres, which hosts over 500 head of livestock, commercial booths, art and craft exhibits, as well as 4H events.

Quotes

“Our communities’ local art, history, and heritage truly enrich and help define our lives as Canadians. Bridgewater has a rich and vibrant cultural community that comes alive at the South Shore Exhibition.”
—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“Our Government is pleased to support organizations like the South Shore Exhibition Commission that help boost the local economy and make our community a great place to live.”
— Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament (South Shore–St. Margaret’s)

“Our Board of Directors would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Department of Canadian Heritage for its support. This enables us to showcase more of our talented local artists and artisans. Visitors to our exhibition will have the unique opportunity to experience some of the culture that makes up Lunenburg County's heritage.’’
— Herbert Eagle, President of the South Shore Exhibition Commission

src:news.gc.ca