The board of the Windsor Agricultural Society (WAS), welcomes Lisa Hines as incoming General Manager of Hants County Exhibition Park and the Hants County Exhibition, North America’s Oldest Agricultural Fair, in Windsor Nova Scotia.
Hines has been an active WAS director, and is a lifelong fair lover with ‘exhibition in her blood’. Grandfather Herb Coombes, a local farmer, served various terms as a WAS director, including 1949 when the current exhibition site was purchased. Her late grandparents were firm believers in the educational value of agricultural exhibitions, and had a strong influence on the number of school days missed by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren during exhibition week. Father Dave Coombes, a career fair manager, was at the helm of HCEx for 53 years until he passed away in March 2018. Hines filled in as manager for the 253rd year of the fair.
With a Bachelor of Design in Communication (NSCAD), 30 years of project management experience, along with a lifelong interest in agriculture, Hines brings a wealth of experience to the position. Consistent with the beliefs instilled by her grandparents, she has been instrumental in the development of Future Farmers Friday, a school learning program hosted by HCEx, going into its sixth year.
Hants County Exhibition Park has forever been a happy, busy four season family destination for Hines – through exhibition, pony club, 4-H, horse and poultry shows, and hockey. She looks forward to working with staff, directors, and volunteers through the coming challenges and opportunities, and is proud and humbled to be carrying on a family tradition.
To prepare for changing times the WAS is currently seeking Requests for Proposals for a business and site concept plan for HCEx Park. For information on the RFP; booking our multipurpose facility for a show, festival or event; sponsorship opportunities; or upcoming events please contact us.
Hants County Exhibition Park is located just off highway 101 at exit 5a, 40 minutes from HRM. 2019 exhibition dates are September 13-15 and 20-22.