“For a number of years, the Government of Prince Edward Island through the Community Development Bureau and other programs has been a proud partner in many initiatives that have helped grow the Crapaud Exhibition into one of the great agricultural fairs in Atlantic Canada,” said Minister Currie. “I am very pleased that our government, under the leadership of Premier Pat Binns, has been able to work closely for many years with the community-minded volunteers that make this exhibition a success.”

Through the Community Development Bureau, the Government of Prince Edward Island will provide $25,000 in 2006 and $25,000 in 2007 towards the $235,000 project. When completed, the Exhibition Association will be better suited to hosting larger livestock events with their new 72' X 110' multi-purpose livestock facility. The Canada/PEI Labour Market Development Agreement, a co-managed funding agreement between the Federal and Provincial Governments, is contributing $160,705 to the project and the Crapaud Exhibition Association is contributing $25,000, funds raised through a community campaign.

“Our Association is very pleased with the continued commitment of the Provincial Government to partner with our community to help us grow and expand,” said Gerald Dixon, project coordinator, on behalf of Elmer MacDonald, president of Crapaud Exhibition Association. “We have an enthusiastic group of community volunteers that have made our exhibition a success and to have this funding commitment from the Province is a real shot in the arm for our community.”

The annual Crapaud Exhibition takes place this weekend, highlighted by the annual PEI Tractor Pull Championships on Saturday and Sunday.