If you've driven by Island Park in Portage la Prairie this morning, you've seen the 144th Portage Ex set and ready to go.

It's opening day of the three-day event, and Fair Board member Dave Koroscil's excited after planning for the last 12 months.

"Things started getting under way in the late fall of last year, to get all the acts lined up. So, just putting a few finishing touches throughout the grounds today, getting the gate set up. We already have some exhibitors, livestock producers coming in already. So we're just a few hours away, and looking forward to seeing this thing get going."

Koroscil notes the fair's configuration's different this year, partly to protect the grounds from potential inclement weather.

"Just to the north side of the MNP Building, we have a larger tent for some of the entertainment that's going to go on beside the stage, so we decided to put a lot of the rides on pavement this year, so if there is any inclement weather, water will wash away a lot quicker, it keeps everything drier. As well. it almost appears that it's brought everything a little closer together, a little tighter, too, so I that's going to make it even better."

Here are more pictures.