Canadian Western Agribition burns brand to kick off event in Regina

The Canadian Western Agribition in Regina has officially kicked off for the 45th time with a ceremonial burning of the brand and opening of a new food pavilion.

Saskatchewan's agriculture minister Lyle Stewart led the burning of the brand this morning. The annual tradition marks the start of the six-day event.

The new food pavilion features local items from Living Sky Winery.

Canada's new agriculture minister was also at the start of the show. He was taking a tour of the barns this morning.

Lawrence MacAulay said he had a chance to meet and chat with some locals.

"I was coming down on the elevator this morning,and the lad didn't know me," he said. "He was from the bison community. He knew me quite well by the time we got to the bottom."

The new minister also haddinner last night with Premier Brad Wall, and described itas cordial. He also met with Stewart.

"Ithink it's going quite well. Minister Stewart couldn't have been more open. He was very gracious,"MacAulay said.

Going local

"Creating a venue to highlight and market food from the Prairies is a natural fit," said CWA president Stewart Stone.

"General consumer awareness about food and food products continues to grow; this new pavilion is a great way to allow for dialogue between producers and consumers," Stone said.

Parking at the event might be achallenge due to construction on Regina's new Mosaicstadium. But theAgribitionexpress shuttle buseswill transport people from the north and south ends of the city.

By 2017, Agribition is expected to take on a much different look. The old barns will be gone, and the event will move into the $37million International Trade Centre.