The South Shore Exhibition (The Big Ex) is one of the largest events of the year in Lunenburg County, often attended by an estimated 40,000 people annually, making it particularly tough to plan during a pandemic.
It was announced on Tuesday by the Exhibition Association of Nova Scotia that The Big Ex had been cancelled, along with all other exhibitions and fairs in the province this season.
Tommy Mailman, President of the South Shore Exhibition says it isn’t feasible to run the event with restrictions.
“We have thousands of people in a small area so physical distancing is impossible,” he said.
“Until we can have crowds in the thousands, we can’t operate. That could mean waiting until a vaccine is available.”
Economically, he says, the loss of The Big Ex will be felt by the whole county.
“So many people come to town and help boost local business,” he said.
“A lot of people are suffering around the world and now they’re hurting here in Lunenburg county too.”
The biggest loss for the community will be missing out on an annual tradition that Mailman says is the highlight of many peoples year.
“I always said if you don’t have the feeling on Saturday night at the Ex to get up walk around, eat some fries and take it all in then you don’t have Lunenburg county in your blood.”
