Denim jackets and jeans were on full display out in Armstrong, as the annual Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) and Rodeo kicked off its 123rd year.
According to Heather King, general manager of the IPE, the delicate balance of innovating and keeping the long-storied history of the event intact has been a fun challenge for her and her team.
"We are very proud of our agricultural components, as our baking and quilts displays are from the original 1899 event," she told The Morning Star. "But what has changed is we have incorporated a rodeo as we know people like activities, so we've added the West Coast Amusements."
The diverse crowd was also a welcome sight to see for King.
"We love our seniors because they are a part of our history, but we also have the young families here who are part of the next generation," King said. "We've got your producers and your farmers that come to the show as well, so you have to have something for everybody."
Wednesday (Aug. 28) was full of families enjoying the amusement rides, seniors grooving to the music and there was plenty of agricultural events, including the light horse and beef show that entertained all ages.
The five-day event (Aug. 28- Sept. 1) will see a three-day rodeo, culminating with the finals on Saturday, which has already sold out.
"New this year is the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Rodeo," King explained. "After our three day rodeo, the PBR comes to town on Sunday which is very exciting."
A big after-party in the white tent will occur on Sunday night, another new inclusion to the weekend. And while the theme of the IPE is Denim in the Dirt, King assures all attendees that it is not a required piece of clothing to enter the grounds.
"We would love them to wear denim, and most everyone does," laughed King. "We have seen a lot of denim on denim attire, which is just so great."
Visit armstrongipe.com for more information, and to purchase tickets.
