All systems go for Bathurst Show
The timer is set for one of the oldest shows of its type in the country and the biggest agricultural show in the Eastern Cape, the 2019 Bathurst Agricultural show that will take place at the showgrounds from April 5 to 7.
Christine Craddock, who is jointly in charge of the horse section, said equestrian events will begin a day earlier on Thursday April 4.
The show committee met on Monday late afternoon for a pre-show meeting where details were hammered out.
Bathurst Agricultural Society (BAS) president Danny Wepener chaired the meeting and established that everything was on course for a successful show this year.
The theme for the show is “Plastic or planet”, highlighting the problems of plastics in the environment, specifically single-use plastics such as plastic wrap and polystyrene.
“We have a theme every year,” said Wepener, “and this year we have taken up the BBC call for a ban on single-use plastics that litter the environment and are harmful to wildlife, eventually ending up in our rivers and oceans.”
Agricultural show treasurer Derrick Church showed there was more income from stall-holders this year, testifying to the success and popularity of the show.
In general, the accounts for both the show and BAS are looking healthy.
Wepener said that Agri EC president, Doug Stern, will be this year’s guest of honour.
The water crisis in the Ndlambe region was also a cause for concern and Wepener spoke of drilling a new bore hole as the existing one has become inadequate for the showground’s needs.
“I have hired a well-established and reputable diviner who has identified a new location for us to drill,” explained Wepener. The sinking of a new borehole plus the pump will cost in the region of R50,000. BAS already has the pipework on-site.
“For years we have had a problem with water and we hope this new borehole will solve the problem,” said Wepener.
BAS is also looking for a headline sponsor for the show as the previous sponsor, South African Breweries, is unable to headline this year’s event. “We are looking for sponsorship in the region of R100,000,” said Wepener.
With respect to broadcasting, the BAS committee will speak to Algoa FM to establish whether they will attend this year’s show. Also, Neville Williamson stated that the PA system at the showgrounds needed to be upgraded.
Heritage group Historic Bathurst has taken over sponsorship of the bandstand and Wepener thanked Maryna Shepherd, who is also a member of the group. There will also be another cook-off which was a very popular event at last year’s show.
“This year we will have more time to prepare and let the people know where it is being held,” said Williamson who will do emCee duties throughout the three days of the show.
Marius Marais will again be responsible for the bars at the show and reported that everything was in hand.
As for other entertainment at the show there will be, among other events, the Bathurst canine unit and the SAPS mounted unit may also appear on the programme. There will be sheepdog demos in the arena, sheep shearing, the Army, vintage tractors and classic cars, the ride-on lawnmower race (that also proved very popular last year), a funfair, belly dancers ballroom dancers and face painting.