A goat inside one of the Cape Breton Exhibition stalls senses it is “smile for the camera” time during last year’s North Sydney fair. Photo by IAN NATHANSON /CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentThe Cape Breton Exhibition is back around for another year of celebrating the island’s agricultural heritage, but it wasn’t always a given that one of Cape Breton’s oldest events would last to its 110th year.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentIn March 2022, the community was shocked to learn that the exhibition grounds on Regent Street in North Sydney were up for sale by the Cape Breton Richmond Federation of Agriculture for $1.1 million. This came after two years of no exhibitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also delayed the harness racing season in 2021.Article contentArticle contentOut of the four bidders vying for the facilities, the Cape Breton Exhibition Society came out on top with the best offer.Article content“It was destined to be closed,” said society co-founder Donnie MacNeil. “Destined to become a parking lot.”Article contentYet, with funding from the municipal, provincial, and federal governments totalling around $3.2 million, the exhibition grounds have undergone some major renovations that MacNeil is excited to show off during the 2026 exhibition this week.Article content“Some of the renovations have occurred, and some of the stuff is still ongoing as we speak,” he said.Article contentIncluded in the renovations are a new roof, new grandstands, all new floors throughout the facility, new stables, updated bathrooms and electrical work, and more, according to MacNeil.Article content“We’re pretty pumped about that, and a lot of the people that come from year to year are really going to notice these improvements,” said MacNeil. “It’s a big change.”Article content From left, Jason Lewis of Sydney Mines watches as his daughter, Brynn, rides on her pony Goldie, while Colby Lynk of Reserve Mines looks on during the Cape Breton Exhibition’s opening day in North Sydney last year. Photo by IAN NATHANSON /CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentSCHEDULEArticle contentAs an exhibition, the main events are always focused on the animals, particularly horses. Whether it be harness racing, barrel racing, or showmanship contests, there are plenty of events to attend from the opening day on Wednesday to Saturday. The longlist of these events can be found on the Cape Breton Exhibition Facebook page.Article contentArticle contentThe live stage will also be bustling throughout the four-day event with several notable artists performing. On Wednesday, Victoria McDougall will begin at 2 p.m., followed by the Rocker Fellas later on in the evening, at 8:30 p.m. In between will be a dynamic wrestling match courtesy of East Coast Wrestling at 6:30 p.m.Article contentArticle contentOn Thursday, Michael Cavanaugh takes the stage at 2 p.m., Patrick Drake performs at both noon and 4:30 p.m., and Mike Lelievre and Colin Grant round out the night at 7 p.m.Article contentFriday will see Patrick Drake return for his noon and 4:30 p.m. slots, Robbie Simms performs at 2 p.m., and headliner Pretty Archie rock out on the live stage at 7 p.m.Article contentSaturday will feature two acts: Erin O’Brien at 2 p.m., and the Scott Phillips Band, who are set to perform at 7 p.m.Article contentIf there wasn’t already enough to do, the exhibition society has brought in East Coast Amusements to set up a large-scale carnival, suitable for all ages. Several rides will be available, both comfortable and thrilling, with plenty of games to play and snacks to eat.
‘Theres a lot of history here’: Cape Breton Exhibition celebrates 110th anniversary
