In addition to moving the two-day event to April, a permanent Cow Coliseum structure was built at the Stratford Rotary Complex in Stratford, Ontario.
The new 72-by-400-foot structure is a little wider and 50 feet longer than the previous temporary structure, and its move to a new location opened up space for more outdoor exhibits.
Over the years, the Cow Coliseum has become a meeting place at the event. “The vision behind the Cow Coliseum is an extremely important part of the show. It is what made CDX complete with the perfect combination of networking and exhibits,” said Jordon Underhill, founder and general manager of CDX at a ribbon cutting ceremony held on April 6 at the new building.
James Duke, founder of ADF Milking and an international exhibitor in the new building, added, “This is a spectacular world-class show. The atmosphere at this show is amazing.”
The building was constructed in a public-private joint venture – the city owns the property while CDX owns the building.
“Dairy, without a doubt, is important and vital to our community,” said Brad Beatty, general manager of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce.
The new building was also made possible with the help of a number of contractors and suppliers, noted John Weaver, owner of WeCover Structures, which built the A-frame structure with steel ends and a fabric roof.
Once again the Cow Coliseum was home to animals on display, an array of automatic milking systems, innovation demonstrations and the evening CheeseFEST function. Its larger space welcomed new features, including a milk bar and children’s play area.
With its new permanent building, the Cow Coliseum and CDX are positioned to carry out favourite activities as well as new additions for years to come. PD
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Karen Lee
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PHOTO: A cow collar was sliced in two to signify the opening of a new permanent Cow Coliseum at the Canadian Dairy XPO in Stratford, Ontario. Photo by Lora Bender.
