Summers in Portage la Prairie and the Central Plains area often feel like a whirlwind of activity.

This weekend the Portage Industrial Exhibition takes off again, when it seems as though the Canada Day festivities, the MacGregor Fair and some fun over in Austin have only just ended.

Two days back at work and the mind is already running at full speed planning another weekend of friends, fun and excitement.

It might be a little exhausting for the weak in spirit, but we have to commend the Central Plains people for their energy to get things done, and see to it not a weekend will go by when there isn't, well, another fun event on the horizon.

The Portage Industrial Exhibition Association is once again rolling out the midway with a mind-boggling array of rides, noisy games, food and trinkets to catch the eye, all spread out for the first batch of visitors to the fair this year.

Many smallish-sized cities about the size of Portage wouldn't likely be able to boast as many attractions, and enough movers in place to see they get off the ground.

The Portage and Central Plains people can count themselves lucky to have the Portage Ex here.

The venue offers not only rides, games and food to keep everyone coming back, but also a cattle and horse show, along with a star-cast of entertainment, such as the Juno award winning

Doc Walker band.

The fair is also a good place to learn about the local 4-H clubs and the beef business, while taking in the interesting sights and sounds of the Ex.

Is it any wonder so many people flock to Portage during the summer to enjoy its many attractions, as well as the natural beauty of Crescent Lake and the walking path?

While it is pretty clear that Portage and area residents have much to be thankful for, there is one more thing they can be thankful for - themselves.

It's been said many times, but there is nothing quite like the volunteer spirit of people in Portage and the Central Plains to take an idea, shape it, and then put in 50 hours of their own time to make it a reality.

Whether it be the Portage Exhibition, the Potato Festival or the MacGregor Fair, just to name a few of the summertime attractions here, they wouldn't have been so successful if it wasn't for the labour and love of all those people who volunteered.

They make it all possible every day by saying 'yes,' again and again, when they could have as easily said 'no.'

--Angela Brown is editor of Central Plains Herald-Leader