Polish those pumpkins, brush down those bulls, dust off those jelly jars and get ready for some fierce competition.
That’s what awaits competitors and participants at the 2006 Agricultural Society’s 39th Annual Show at the Stacy Watler Agricultural Pavilion Grounds in Lower Valley, Bodden Town.
Margartio Chantilope and sons Jay, left, and Mel display their wares at Cayman Bracs Agricultural Fair held Saturday. Grand Caymans annual Agricultural Show takes place this Wednesday. Photo: Ed Beaty |
It is fair to say that this year’s show will be bigger and better than last year’s, said Agriculture Society President Errol Watler.
‘Last year we didn’t have competitions. We had only exhibitions,’ he said.
To have any kind of agricultural showing on Ash Wednesday last year was itself a minor miracle.
Hurricane Ivan struck the Cayman Islands in September 2004, destroying crops and livestock. Animals that didn’t die in the storm had to be killed shortly after the storm because there was not enough vegetation for grazing because of damage from salt water brought onto Grand Cayman from Ivan.
But those who participate in this year’s show will get a taste of shows gone by.
There will be lots to eat and drink, pony rides, darts, duck in pond, children’s sand box, merry go round, bouncing castle, young activities, video games and more.
Also on offer are quadrille dancing, a baby show, equestrian events, boxing demonstrations and maypole plaiting.
Music from the North Side Kitchen Band, Heat, Impulc(sic) and Gone Country will play throughout the day.
Mr. Watler said those attending the show have a chance to buy a $25 ticket, which admits them to the show and puts them in a raffle for a new Ford Explorer. Other prizes include $1,500 in cash and a round trip ticket to Miami plus $500.
Another raffle, for only $10, gives chance takers hopes of winning a bull.
As usual, there will be prizes galore for livestock, locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally done handiwork like macramé, crochet, straw work, artistic renditions in various media and cut flowers. And there will be the ever-popular District Stall Competition.
‘Of course we’ll be giving the prize for Farmer of the Year again,’ Mr. Watler said.
‘There will be a larger selection of animals this year,’ he said. ‘The new ones that came in, some of those will be on display as well.’
The Agriculture Department recently brought in additional cattle and other livestock to replenish what farmers lost from the 2004 storm.
Various non-profit organizations will also be on hand including the Orchid and Garden Societies, Cancer Society and Humane Society. Government departments of health, environmental health, and environment, the Turtle Farm, Botanic Park and National Trust will also make a showing.
Parking should be a little easier this year with an increase in space, but Mr. Watler has a suggestion to help with both traffic and parking congestion.
‘Try to come together in one vehicle. That will cut down on traffic,’ he said.
And try to go early. Organizers anticipate a crowd of up to 8,000 people.
One difference in this year’s show is the registration of exhibits.
‘Registration will be done from 6-10 the night before,’ said Mr. Watler. ‘We used to have it going all time.’
For those lucky enough to win prizes, there’s another change; they won’t be able to take them home on Ash Wednesday.
‘When they win the prizes they will be paid out one week after instead of the same day. It’s too much confusion and too much risk in having all that,’ he said.
Related Videos
