People who attend the Hanover Ag Fair in Grunthal this weekend will notice a number of changes. Board member Curtis Dawydiuk says it's all part of their effort to continue making the event bigger and better.

"This year is a big year for change. We looked at events that people are coming to see, judging by the attendance, and some of that gave us the opportunity change some of the schedules for events so they have a better presence."

Dawydiuk says one change is that their bull riding event has been extended to run for two nights, both Thursday and Friday and they have upped the prize money to $15,000.

"What that has done is it's given us the opportunity to bring in some of the best riders in Canada as well as globally. Right now, with our entries, we have three riders from Brazil, one from Australia as well as some of the guys who are in the tops standings of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and pro rodeo circuits in Canada and south of the border."

Another big change this year is that the fireworks have been moved to Saturday night instead of Sunday night. Dawydiuk says this will make it easier to find volunteers to help with the cleanup because it will start early Sunday evening. He notes previously, the clean-up started late Sunday night and went well into the wee hours of the morning.

He says the fair is a big deal for the community and residents definitely get pumped up for it.