Close to 30,000 people walked through the gates at the 125th Vancouver Island Exhibition.

By Kyle Ireland

Record Numbers

Organizers tout record numbers for 125th VIEX

Sep 1, 2019 | 11:43 PM

NANAIMO — The most people in a decade walked through the gates at the 125th annual VIEX in the harbour city last weekend.

The exact number of people who attended is unknown, however VIEX President Lynn Haley suspected numbers were close to 30,000.

“This year the attendance jumped up because of us paying more attention to the feedback we got from the community on what they wanted to see.”

The three day annual event featured new attractions including a mid-way and motorcross show.

“We took the feedback into consideration for this year and one of the biggest things was bringing on West Coast Amusements.”

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The VIEX started back in 1894 as a one-day event and has since grown to what it is today. Haley said the event has seen huge leaps and bounds.

“You will have people that want to come see the animals and see how things are grown. I think there is a large number of people that want to see this carry on, so I think thats what drives it.”

Haley, along with more than a dozen board members, are already hard at work planning for the 126th VIEX in 2020.

kyle.ireland@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Kyle_Ireland31