All set for the Bathurst Agricultural Show
New things to see and experience at the province’s biggest and oldest agricultural show
THE month of April is going to be a blockbuster for the area with Eastern Cape’s biggest agricultural show taking place, and this year it promises some new experiences for the thousands of visitors that will pass through the gates of the Bathurst Showgrounds from April 6 to 8.
The Bathurst Show committee met at the showgrounds on Monday evening to finalise plans and confirm the attendance of stall-holders and exhibitors, and to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
According to Bathurst Agricultural Society (BAS) president Danny Wepener, the finances are in good order. He said that changes in the events programme should ensure the show is an even greater success than in previous years.
BAS lady president Pam Elliott was pleased with the changes the committee had planned for this year particularly in the equestrian events, and Brent McNamara, who is in charge of stock, said all is going according to schedule.
“We have kept entrance fees the same as last year,” said Wepener, pointing out that money was tight at the moment and that the BAS wants to ensure everyone can attend without breaking the bank.
“Over the last five years we have only increased the entrance fees once, and that was last year,” Wepener said.
The show runs over the three days and includes equestrian events, cattle auctions, sheep shearing demonstrations, crafts and art stalls, a fun fair for the kids along with a host of other entertaining events such as the perennial Singing Cowboy (Armand van der Merwe), ballroom and Latin dancing, a dog show and a whole lot of antique and brand new modern farming equipment will be on show.
Farmers attend to find out the latest trends or to seek advice from professionals while visitors can experience rural nature up close and personal.
This year the equestrian section will be open to all, with no official membership of equestrian societies necessary in order to compete.
“We decided to open up the horse-riding events and encourage local riders who may not be members of the South African Equestrian Federation or have had their horses graded,” said show convenor Candy Marshall.
“This is a local show and we want participation from our locals. There will therefore be no dressage competition this year as the spectators want to see horse and rider vault fences. That’s where all the excitement is.”
Aside from the excitement of a K9 demonstration, the South African National Defence Force manoeuvres, and motorcycle races, it was proposed a ride-on lawnmower race could also be on the cards.
And, for those who want to eat or imbibe, there will be plenty of food stalls and bars, plus afternoons and evenings of entertainment from local artists.
It was also proposed that wine tasting could be included in the show which seemed to go down well with the committee.
There will be prizes awarded to the winners of the various competitions such as the always well-attended baby competition, the best floral art composition, the best indoor and outdoor stands and various other prizes.