The Red River Exhibition Association owns and operates Red River Exhibition Park. The association is governed by a 15 member volunteer board and is made up of membership from the community. Membership in the association is open to anyone for a nominal membership fee.
The board sets the overall policy of the association and oversees the operations of the park.
The dream began over thirty years ago when the Red River Exhibition Association first purchased 218 acres of land west of Assiniboia Downs and then added an additional 262 acres in 1981 bringing the total acquisition to 480 acres. Red River Exhibition Park was built as a multi- purpose facility on only 90 of those acres leaving almost 400 acres for future growth and expansion.
The events at the park are supported by a large base of volunteers, drawn from association members. The ability to volunteer at park events is one of the many benefits of membership in the association.
The Red River Ex has been part of Manitoba for 58 years. From the first Red River Ex in 1952 to its new permanent home on the west Perimeter, the Ex has played a part in the lives and history of Manitobans.
The Red River Exhibition Association is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization dedicated to showcasing the talents, abilities and achievements of Manitobans to each other and the world. The Association exists to improve the quality of life for all Manitobans by providing them with events and facilities to encourage them to achieve their maximum potential.
The Kin Carnival was held at Sherburn Park on Portage Avenue, nearby where you now find the provincial government Motor Vehicle Branch and the RCMP headquarters building. It was during that time work began which resulted in the first Red River Exhibition in 1952 at the Osborne Stadium/Amphitheatre complex near the Manitoba Legislature The Ex has had many homes over the years including the Polo Park Race Track and near the Winnipeg Stadium and Arena.
However, no matter where the Ex was located, it has always stayed true to its goals and mission: To showcase the talents abilities and achievements of Manitobans. The Ex has accomplished this by providing facilities and support for creative and competitive activities such as its scholarship program, the annual Farm Family of the Year Award, fairs, shows, community events, trade shows, sporting events and other activities.
The Ex also continues to enjoy the enthusiasm and support of hundreds of volunteers who participate in the many activities at Exhibition Park and add to the vibrant, inclusive nature of activities at the Red River Ex..
With the opening in 1997of Exhibition Park, the Red River Exhibition Association is well positioned to make even more of a contribution to the enjoyment and quality of life of Manitobans and will continue to be part of Manitoba for the next 50 years and beyond.
