There were plenty of people on Island Park in Portage la Prairie yesterday for day one of the 144th annual Portage Ex. Matt Peeace of Portage la Prairie has been going to the fair for a few years now and says it's always a lot of fun.

"The Ex is pretty cool; there are a lot of cool rides and good food. There were a lot of people out too which makes it even better. I went to the Ex last year, but this year everything is way closer together so it seems way busier, which is pretty fun."

Peeace although he doesn't like going on rides at the ex, it's still a fun time.

"What I like most is seeing everyone out just having fun and getting together. I also love the lemonade...actually, the lemonade is my favourite thing."

Peeace says it was a good night for the Ex in terms of weather as well and notes the mosquitoes were nowhere to be found. The Portage Ex continues today and tomorrow on the island, with a number of events and performances scheduled throughout the weekend.