Fair Person(s) of the Year
Rita and Dean Cole
Like many great stories at our Exhibition, Dean and Rita began their journey through 4-H. Dean joined 4-H when he was fourteen, and Rita became involved when she was about ten years old. What started as a place to learn about agriculture and develop new skills became the setting where lifelong friendships were formed and, eventually, where Dean and Rita met at the Exhibition in 1971.
Over the years, that meeting grew into a partnership built on family, farming, volunteerism, and a shared love for the Exhibition. Together they raised three children—Sandy, Joan, and Allyson—and created a family tradition that continues to this day.
For decades, Dean and Rita have been familiar faces around the Exhibition grounds. Dean exhibited cattle, ducks, and chickens, always bringing enthusiasm and a sense of fun. Many people still remember the colorful chickens that appeared under his care, leaving more than a few children convinced that blue, pink, and yellow chickens were perfectly natural.
Rita brought her own talents and energy to the Exhibition. As a 4-H leader and home economist, she became deeply involved in the Home Crafts and Hand Crafts competitions as an exhibitor. She helped organize events, served as a judge, and introduced activities that became favorites among exhibitors and visitors alike. Many will remember her work with the Great Blueberry Bake-Off and her role in establishing the Bale Roll competition.
Their contributions, however, go far beyond the exhibits and events they helped create. Dean served six years on the Board of the Middle Musquodoboit Agricultural Society, helping to bring new ideas and activities to the fair. Together, Dean and Rita gave countless hours of volunteer service—supporting 4-H members, helping at the church booth, preparing food, caring for livestock, and stepping in wherever help was needed.
What makes Dean and Rita truly special is not just what they have done, but how they have done it. They have always led with kindness, generosity, and a genuine love for their community. They are the kind of people who quietly show up, work hard, encourage others, and make everyone around them feel welcome.
Their influence can be seen not only in the success of the Exhibition but also in the generations that follow them. The values they have lived—hard work, dedication, community spirit, and family—are being carried on by their children and grandchildren, ensuring that their legacy will continue for years to come.
The Halifax County Exhibition is built on the efforts of volunteers, families, and community-minded people who give their time and talents to make it special. Dean and Rita Cole represent the very best of that tradition.
On behalf of the Halifax County Exhibition and everyone whose lives you have touched over the years, thank you for your dedication, your friendship, and your unwavering support.
Past Fair Person(s) of the Year
The Fair Person of the Year Award is given by the Halifax County Exhibition each year to a person that has been involved with the exhibition on some level over a long period of time. This could be a longtime exhibitor, a faithful volunteer or someone within the Management Committee and /or Middle Musquodoboit Agricultural Society. Often, the person has countless hours in all these areas, like that of this year’s recipient.
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2026 - Rita and Dean Cole |
2018 - Tom & Dana Parker |