Harvest Showdown is all about agriculture, so the City of Yorkton has dedicated this week as Agriculture Week in honor of the event in the city. The week kicked of with a ceremonial branding, by Nellie and Bill Bucsis, members of the Yorkton Exhibition for over 40 years.
Shaun Morin, Manager of the Yorkton Exhibition Association, says that the branding is intended to emphasize how important agriculture is in the city. With the branding, they are choosing something with clear ties to agriculture and the events of the weekend.
Morin says Nellie and Bill Bucsis were chosen for the branding because they have been long time volunteers, and the Exhibition likes to honor volunteers whenever they have the opportunity. Morin also says that the volunteers are what keeps the association going.
"Without the volunteers we have five paid staff. There are 21 directors and probably 200-250 volunteers that help us on various events, so without them we wouldn't be operating."
The weekend has changed substantially since it began 23 years ago, with more events added and the event evolving as agriculture itself changes. Morin says the difference between the first year and today's event are substantial, with the weekend gaining a rodeo, trade show and events like stock dogs, to go with the parts that have always been a vital part, such as commercial cattle.
Harvest Showdown began on November 2, and continues until November 5.
