WINDSOR, N.S. — Outside investment has not only helped spruce up the look of the Hants County Exhibition fairgrounds but it’s created a comfortable space for exhibitors and spectators to enjoy.
On the opening weekend of the 257th Hants County Exhibition, two ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held.
The second celebration took place outside Spence Hall, which was formerly an unused milk parlour.
“The Spence Hall project is special and unusual in itself because it was funded by a family owned company, Spence Managed Forest,” said Hines.
“They wanted to do a project on the grounds that would make a difference to people.”
The new, repurposed space in the cattle barn is named in honour of the Spence family.
“Norman Spence and his wife Rae were in the business of farming and forestry. They were sawmill owners, farmers and Hereford breeders,” said Ryan Knowles, the president of the Windsor Agricultural Society.
“Norman was an active showman at the Hants County Exhibition with his two sons, (the late) Bruce and George,” continued Knowles.
“Together, they showed their leading Hereford genetics at this fair as well as other provincial affairs and the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.”
Spence, who served as Hants West MLA from 1963 to 1970, was passionate about farming and served as the president of the Windsor Agricultural Society from 1964 until 1981.
Knowles said Spence was not one to rest on his laurels and was dedicated to helping advance and improve the fairgrounds.
“He was a man who got things done. In January 1982, when the original exhibition arena burned to the ground Norman was in his car that morning travelling Nova Scotia roads looking at arenas in preparation for a rebuild,” said Knowles. “The new Hants County Exhibition Arena was open for business that September, (in time) for the 217th Hants County Exhibition.”
The Spences were also deeply committed to sustainable forestry, creating Spence Managed Forest — a family owned and operated company.
“It was Norman's desire to conduct forestry in Ellershouse without large clear cuts and with sustainability. It was important to him to protect areas like Dawson Falls. This was done in typical Norman fashion, a walk in the woods and a handshake,” said Knowles
During his early years operating a sawmill, following the Second World War, the Spences exported lumber, helping England and Europe rebuild.
Spence Managed Forests is still family run, with the late couple’s children and grandchildren taking on operations.
“They won Nova Scotia wood lot owner of the year twice, improved the forest, built roads, bridges and led the way to sustainable forestry practices on private land,” Rafuse said of the Spence’s family legacy.
Spence Hall features a lounge and entry area, along with two new washrooms that will also serve as changing rooms for 4-H events.
“We're proud to have this lovely new lounge area full of soft seating for spectators and exhibitors to have a little rest, charge their phones and have a chat,” said Rafuse.
Local farmer and woodlot owner Jim Bremner, a manager with Spence Managed Forests, initiated the project and was thanked for his help in seeing it through to completion.
Truro Agromart and Elmsdale Lumber were also thanked for helping fund the murals that adorn the walls of the lounge.
“The icing on the cake are the beautiful murals that local artist Natalie Rippey painted,” said Rafuse.
The first mural focuses on the agricultural landscape in Hants County and highlights the Hereford breed that is important to the Spence family.
The second mural portrays elements of good forestry management, something deeply valued by Spence Managed Forest, Rafuse noted.
The Windsor Agricultural Society members said they’re open to working with other groups and families on projects that will help enhance the fairgrounds and user experience.
Bremner, who spoke briefly at the ribbon cutting, noted it was easy to work with them to see the project to fruition