David Coombes
NOVA SCOTIA
David Coombes dedicated his career to the successful development of exhibitions and agricultural fairs across Nova Scotia. His consummate support of producers and tireless promotion of agriculture is well known and respected.
Born in 1941, David was raised at Castle Frederick, Upper Falmouth and was an active 4-H member in his youth. He spent years working on his family dairy farm and enrolled at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, graduating in 1963. This same year he married Frances Davis, who had edged him out as Grand Champion at the 4-H cattle show in 1960. David continued his studies at Macdonald College, McGill University. He spent his university years playing hockey and serving as President of College Royal, and earned his Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) degree in 1965.
David returned to Nova Scotia and soon began his 53-year career as manager of the Hants County Exhibition, North America’s oldest agricultural fair. The fair celebrated its 200th anniversary during David’s first year as manager, and five decades later he led the exhibition into its 250th year.
In 1965, David also took on the responsibilities of managing the Atlantic Winter Fair in Halifax. During his 34-year tenure as manager, David introduced a number of innovative initiatives. To ensure the financial health of the fair, he developed Nova Scotia’s first casino, and introduced a major lottery, Ex Hi Lotto, in the 1970’s. Under his creative leadership, the fair hosted the $100,000 DuMaurier Cup. This international competition brought world-class show jumpers to Halifax, delighting the local horse community. In the 1980s, David oversaw the building of Exhibition Park, home to the Atlantic Winter Fair.
In addition to managing the Hants County Exhibition and Atlantic Winter Fair, David took on management of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition in 1977. For 22 years between 1977 and 2003 he juggled his time between Windsor, Halifax, and Truro to manage all three organizations.
David had a reputation as a responsible financial manager, during especially challenging times. Owned by the Windsor Agricultural Society, the Hants County Exhibition, at 41 acres, boasts very little debt and welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually. Known for his commitment to all aspects of fair management, David could often be found mowing parking lots, storing cars, or atop a tractor, where he was said to do his best thinking.
David’s passion for agriculture in general, and exhibitions specifically, made him a leader within the industry. His accomplishments were recognized on many occasions, including as Canadian Fair Manager of the Year in 1980. In 2017, he was named to the Canadian Association of Fair and Exhibitions Roll of Honour. His knowledge and work ethic were welcome additions to many agricultural associations, and he served as President of the Livestock Council of Nova Scotia, President of the Nova Scotia Hereford Breeders, and Director and President of the local Chamber of Commerce, among many other positions.
David’s hobbies were many, and included extensive international travel, fishing, and working with a chainsaw. Time with children and grandchildren was dearly cherished.
Nominated by the Windsor Agricultural Society for his enduring commitment to the promotion of agriculture and the betterment of exhibitions and fairs across the province, David Coombes is a worthy inductee into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.