See you at the Ex

By Heather Killen

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

There’s a time and a season for everything under the sun, but most people follow their own rhythms at the Ex.

Dave Whitman‘s fourth book, See You At The Ex! History and Stories of the Annapolis Valley Exhibition will be launched at the 82nd Annapolis Valley Exhibition on Thursday, August 14.

While Whitman and wife Paulette have been working on the book for about a year, the material has taken the better part of a century to build.

Their 300-page book offers an official history of The Ex, as well as the treasury of local memories shared as old scrapbooks were opened, and people began remembering the good old days.

“They’d look at pictures and recognize the horses, and then remember the people,” Paulette said. “They’d say how this team was the best in the province.”

This annual expo has been the highlight of the summer for four generations of rural families. For six days each August, tractors stand quiet on family farms and work grinds to a halt as folks visit The Ex.

This is the time when ordinary people shine as everyday skills honed the hard way take on local stardom in the main ring.

Flowers, photos, stitches, and the fruits of hard labour are carefully showcased and judged by a sharp-eyed jury of peers. There’s something for everyone at The Ex.

While each person looks forward to something at The Ex: horse-people make a beeline for horses, ox-people are found in the ox barns, everyone seems to appreciate the atmosphere, according to Dave.

“When I was a child, I loved the experience of the Midway and being there with my friends. Later, it was a passion for horses. Then, as a parent, I appreciated that it was a safe family atmosphere where I didn’t have to worry about my children.”

Paulette added that from her usual spot on the stands, she could watch her children as they made their way along the circuit with their friends. If she lost sight of the kids, she could find out where they were from a passing neighbour.

With so many times and trips to and around The Ex, each person eventually finds his own rhythm around the circuit. Dave said he usually heads for the beef barn first, and then makes his way over to look at the horses.

Paulette added that when she sees Dave stop to talk to certain people, she knows the conversation will take a while, so she goes on alone to her next stop.

While he’s looking at the machinery, she can sit and watch the competition in the main ring. She knows he’ll catch up later after he visits the canteen.

Dave said one of his favorite moments at the Ex is Sunday morning, when the event is winding up and everyone is packing up and headed for home.

“When you walk around and listen, you’ll hear people are already talking about next year,” he said.

The things people carry away from the Ex are the special memories that bring them back each year, according to the Whitmans.

“Everybody has a favorite smell and a favorite sound at The Ex,” he said. “Horse people talk about the smell of leather and Brasso. For me, it’s the smells and sounds of the Midway: the Merry-Go-Round, the lights and the smells of French Fries, fish and chips and cotton candy.”

Paulette agreed and added, “In the end it’s being with other people who are experiencing the same things.”

See You At The Ex! History and Stories of the Annapolis Valley Exhibition is available at most local bookstores in the Annapolis Valley, and at The End Of the Line Pub in Bridgetown, and Chapel Creek in Middleton.

Dave and Paulette Whitman will launch their book, and sign copies, at 1 p.m., August 14, at the Annapolis Valley Exhibition in Lawrencetown starting at 1 p.m.