Tinder for farm folk: Falling in love at Agribition in Regina

Many people have found love at the Agribition show in Regina. As Marty Seymour, head of the exhibition, says: "You just can't put 100,000 people in a room and not have sparks fly."

The show runs through the week and attracts all sorts of people from the agriculture industry.

As folks mingle, many discover they have a lot in common.

You're bound to find somebody that you can fall in love with.- Melanie Davidson

"I would see her once in a while at different shows for three or four years," Levi Jackson said, recalling how he met his future wife at the show. "Then ... we got a little bit closer. Then we got married, and our kids grew up here."

One of the spots for refreshments, known as the Swamp, has also been a place where romance can blossom.

"I did propose to my wife here, well my wife now," Mike Millar said. "She didn't think I was serious and just went to get another drink ... but serious decisions happen at the Swamp."

Supper and a rodeo

The social aspect of Agribition is very real to many.

"I went on my first date with my husband in 2006," Melanie Davidson remembered. "I can't believe it was nine years ago. He took me out for supper and the rodeo, and ended our night in the Swamp ... it was the perfect date for me."

As Mike Millar explained, it makes sense that people with similar interests would find partners at Agribition.

"It's not just farming. It's a lifestyle. And people love being here," Millar said. "They love showing cattle and you have to love it if you're going to get up at three or five in the morning and wash cattle."

Davidson agrees that the common bonds of rural life bring people together.

"When you're in a rural area there's not a lot of options out there for you," she said. "So you come to a show like Agribition and there's people who love what you love and have the same interests as you ... you're bound to find somebody that you can fall in love with."

Seymour said it is no surprise to him that people fall in love at Agribition.

"There's so much social content in Agribition," he said. "People haven't seen each other for a whole year. They come together, gather up, it's like a big cabaret. If you're going to  mix a bunch of strangers together, add some alcohol and have some singing and dancing and some fun, there's probably going to be some match-up happening"