COVID-19 safety measures such as proof of vaccination and mandatory face masks will depend on what gov’t requirements are in place in July
Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm show is expected to return to an in-person event in 2022, organizers announced this week.
For the past two years due to COVID-19, Ag in Motion (AIM) has been held online, consisting of digital events and online presentations.
In 2022, show organizers plan to return the show to its original format, with in-person events, live demonstrations and face-to-face networking opportunities for farmers and others in the ag industry.
The in-person event is slated for July 19–21 at the Discovery Farm show site near Langham, Sask., northwest of Saskatoon.
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“On the ground and in person is where this show really comes to life,” said Ag in Motion show director Rob O’Connor in a Jan. 11 news release.
“We are hearing from our farmer and industry networks that they want a personal experience with live demonstrations, hands-on access to products and equipment and meaningful face-to-face connections.
“That’s what our team really does love to do, is put on these large (in-person) events,” he added later.
O’Connor said the 2022 show will adhere to all provincial safety guidelines.
That means people attending the show may be required to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test before being admitted, depending on provincial requirements at the time.
The last AIM show, in 2019, attracted more than 30,000 people over three days.
In a recent interview with The Western Producer, O’Connor said extraordinary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of visitors and exhibitors.
Hand sanitation stations will be located throughout the show site and masking may be required, if stipulated by provincial health guidelines.
Currently, Saskatchewan requires masking only for indoor venues and events.
To avoid long lineups and ensure visitors can enter the site efficiently, the number of entrance gates will be increased, allowing show staff and volunteers to check vaccination documents, if necessary.
Staffing requirements will be higher than 2019 and about 20 percent more volunteers will be necessary, O’Connor said.
In planning the show’s 2022 comeback, AIM organizers observed similar shows in the United States, many of which went ahead in 2020, despite regional health restrictions.
By 2021, almost all outdoor farm shows held in the U.S. went ahead as in-person events.
“What we found during COVID (in 2020) was that yes, sometimes those shows had smaller exhibitor bases or had smaller attendance figures — you know 70 to 85 percent of normal,” O’Connor said.
“But by 2021, most of them were at their regular (pre-COVID attendance) levels, or close to it.”
O’Connor said AIM organizers are planning for a show as large as the 2019 event.
“Ag in Motion had strong momentum up to the point where COVID shut us down but I think now also, society and especially our agricultural community understands COVID and is not fearful like they were in 2020,” he said.
“If a big wave (of COVID infections) comes in June or July, we might have to react to that.
“But I think it’s unlikely and I think most people inside government and outside of government feel that with a big outdoor event, it’s unlikely that we’re going to have to worry about being completely closed down.”
