The tradition of the Bearspaw Old Tyme Bench Exhibition is alive in well and organizers are eager to grow the celebration further.

Society president Julie Trities says entries were up and the future remains bright for what has been a 51-year tradition that started at Rudolph's Barn in the Bearspaw area in 1969. In recent years, the exhibition has been held in conjunction with the Cochrane Fair and it's proven to be a natural partnership.

"It is the 51st year and we're bigger and better this year," says Trities. "We have a large exhibition of forage this year. It's very surprising, considering all the hail and cold weather we had. We thought the entries would be down but they're astronomical this year. Our quilting is really up this year and so is our photography."

"The whole mantra of the exhibition is family events and to bring the rural and urban people together in Cochrane. We're working very very hard to do that and I think this year it has been a complete success."

Inside the huge white tent are thousands of entries into hundreds of categories. Judging took place Saturday afternoon and when the tent opened Sunday morning the prized Bearspaw ribbons adorned the winning entries.

Several special awards were also presented at the end of the exhibition.

Outside the petting zoo pleased a steady stream of families. There was also an old-fashioned high striker, where people could test their strength by swinging a mallet send the puck up to the top of the tower to ring the bell. The zucchini races were popular, as was the egg toss.

Inside, the international acclaimed Calgary Fiddlers gave two performances and proved to be a hit.

"The Calgary Fiddlers are in their first year with us, but it might not be the last," says Trities. "They just got back from a tour in France and we were very fortunate to get a booking with them in the spring. The crowd loves them."

While thrilled with this year's exhibition, the organizers already have an eye on next year.

"We're encouraging people to look us up on our website for next year. Also, to consider us for the future because we're always looking for volunteers."