Volunteers are being called the backbone of Canadian Western Agribition, helping keep the long-running event thriving year after year.

Mara Aulie, chair of the volunteer committee, has been volunteering for 36 years. She was first recruited in 1989 to help set up the International Business Centre and now sits on the board of directors.

She said volunteers keep returning because they’re passionate about the show and the people.

“I swear they put something in your blood or in your drink when you get here, because you get the passion for the show and you come back every year,” Aulie said.

“It’s a way of giving back, but it’s also a way of meeting people. Every year it’s like meeting family, a family reunion.”

This year, there are about 430 volunteers spread across more than 17 committees.

Canadian Western Agribition CEO Shaun Kindopp said the show relies on the dedication of its volunteers.

“I’m very fortunate I get to stand up and take a lot of the limelight, but our volunteers and crew are the backbone of this organization, along with our board and staff,” he said.

One key group is the courtesy car drivers, who use a fleet of 14 vehicles to transport international guests and delegates to and from the airport, hotels and the REAL District.

Courtesy Car Coordinator Mike McAllister said the volunteers are often the event’s first point of contact.

“Our airport greeters and courtesy car drivers are the first contact these international guests have,” he said.

“We’re ambassadors for the city and for Agribition, and we want to make them feel welcome.”

He said 60 volunteers help operate the vehicles from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“We can’t run this program without volunteers,” he said.

“We need a lot of help to promote Agribition and Regina as a hospitable city.”