Despite the weather at times attempting to play spoiler, 2019 proved to be a successful year for the Swift Current Ag. & Ex. Association.

The organization held its Annual General Meeting on March 3, 2020, at the Palliser Pavilion.

Each year, the non-profit organization works with the city of Swift Current and various other organizations to provide events and other educational activities to Swift Current and the surrounding region in the areas of agriculture, entertainment, education, sport, and culture.

Looking back over the events of the past year, Stan Aiken, the association’s Finance Chair, reported that they were in solid shape considering the number of challenges that they were forced to contend with in terms of poor weather, which forced the cancellation of the final day of the CCA Rodeo events and the relocation of a Friday night concert to the Credit Union iPlex.

Despite the challenges, the association reported net revenues from all events of just over $280,000 and an overall profit of roughly $108,000.

One of the largest events for the association was, of course, Frontier Days, which saw over 22,000 visitors over the four-day event and continues to be a highlight of a Swift Current summer.

Also of note in 2019 was assisting with the Canadian Cowboys Association Rodeo, which brought over 10,000 visitors to Swift Current in October.

The Spring and Home Leisure show in March is an event that grows each year. Over 70 exhibitors attracted 3400 attendees in 2019, which Aiken reported being the three-year average.

Overall, Aiken reported the association to be financially stable, and thanked their past success on the power of volunteers, saying:

“As in the past, our success remains ingrained in the dedication and strong support we receive from our volunteers, sponsors, and staff who are committed to supporting our local community.”

Up first for the association in 2020 they will be celebrating the 40th year of the Step Into Spring Home and Leisure show from March 13 – 15.