Farmfair International returns to the Edmonton Expo Center and celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The event showcases the best livestock in Canada with more than 1,300 animals in attendance. It’s the largest number of animals the fair has had in about 20 years, according to Explore Edmonton’s Patty Milligan.

“We have a lot of really cool things that people can learn about and experience if they’re interested in animals, farming or even just the idea of ​​having a little bit of an unusual experience,” Milligan said.

“There aren’t many places where you can go and see livestock walking right by you after they’ve showered or shampooed.”

More than $300,000 is up for grabs in prizes at the show.

Farmfair International grew out of the first livestock show held outside Fort Edmonton in 1879.

Three of the families at this year’s exhibit have participated every year since its debut in 1974.

“The success of Farmfair shows us that city dwellers want to be connected to the community at large and that the rural community also wants to be connected to the urban community and each other,” Milligan said.

“It shows us that people really care about their food, they care about agriculture, they understand its importance and they want to learn.”

New for the anniversary, the event features the Ag Tech and Innovation Alley to showcase “cutting-edge agricultural technology and sustainable agricultural solutions.”

There is also a Christmas market with a new Mexican corner, created in partnership with the Mexican Society of Edmonton.

Some of the new experiences include a Mexican coffee and chocolate tasting, a cultural show and a hot sauce challenge inspired by the Hot Ones series.

The challenge will put local celebrities to the Scoville test with spicy sauces from local Latin market Paraiso Tropical.

This year, Mexico is the first country to be presented at the fair. Around twenty delegates from Mexico participated.

“They are very interested in Alberta livestock, both the live cattle and the genetic material, and they have come year after year. They are strong supporters of Farmfair, so we decided to honor Mexico this year .” » Milligan said.

An attendee holding a chick at Farmfair International on Thursday, November 7, 2024. (Brandon Lynch/CTV News Edmonton)

Other Farmfair highlights include:

• Fitset Ninja Challenges;
• Chick hatching demonstrations;
• Guided tours of the barns;
• Rabbit shows; And
• Farming based games.

The weekend will conclude with a performance by two-time JUNO Award winner and three-time CCMA Entertainer of the Year Dallas Smith.

Musicians Tyler Joe Miller and Teigen Gayse will also perform.

The agricultural fair ends Sunday at 6 p.m.