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| OVFS to Feature 350 Exhibitors, New Exhibit Area February 11, 2003 A "Country Home Centre" featuring crafts and gift items, specialty foods and other attractions will be part of the Ottawa Valley Farm Show for the first time this year. The 2003 show - the 76th edition - will be held at Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, March 18, 19, 20. New this year will be an additional exhibit area on the Civic Centre Concourse accommodating some 50 new booths, including the Country Home section. There will be 300 other exhibitors on the grounds, featuring everything from machinery and equipment, to services of particular interest to farmers and other rural residents. "The focus will still be firmly on farm equipment, supplies and services," said Lynda McCuaig, president of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association which sponsors the show. "With extra space on the Concourse, we decided to introduce the Country Home Centre as an attraction for spouses and others who might want something a little different while touring the show." The Country Home Centre will be located at the west end of the second level Concourse near Bank Street. The east end will be anchored by the Seed Growers Hall of Honour booth which is moving from the Aberdeen Pavilion. Special events such as the official opening March 18 and the Prestigious Pedigreed Seed Sale for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario March 20 will also move to the Concourse this year. The annual Seed Growers Awards Banquet will be held in the Civic Centre Assembly Hall March 19. With addition of the Concourse, the Farm Show will occupy every available indoor exhibit space at Lansdowne, said manager Tom Van Dusen. "The one downside is that the Sprung Structure was torn down last year, giving us no easy alternative for the traditional livestock exhibits and sales. "We have therefore been forced to cancel the live animal attractions for this year, hoping to bring them back in 2004." Several representatives of the livestock breeds will have information booths - without animals - on the Concourse. FOR MORE INFORMATION : Tom Van Dusen, (613) 445-3407 Posted: February 11, 2003 |