Buzzing for Mid Argyll Show
And double your home industries prize money
IT IS finally here – Mid Argyll Show is this weekend.
Tomorrow (Saturday August 12), hundreds of exhibitors will take part in baking, produce, crafts, flowers and vegetable competitions as well as the ever-popular dog show and livestock classes.
It is fair to say the cancellation of last year's home industries competitions because of horrendous weather, and a slightly suspect marquee, was a major disappointment. Recognising this, the committee has decided to double the cash prizes on offer for this year’s home industries section.
This year’s show offers the chance to get to the Kilmory show field in real style.
Four impressive teams of coach and horses will ferry passengers to the show in style. Starting off at Kilmartin, the journey, which will take up to an hour-and-ahalf, will take passengers through Lochgilphead – a spectacle sure to thrill bystanders. After they arrive, the carriages will be on display for people to admire.
Other popular attractions are the display of vintage tractors and the pets section.
Then there are the terrier races – always fun, never predictable and almost guaranteed to spark an odd wee scrap here and there.
There will also be a digger challenge, with a cash prize on offer.
There will even be a ‘guess the weight of Terry the turkey’ competition, with Terry himself present on the day. On offer to the winner will be an 8lb turkey, courtesy of HD Ferguson & Son Butchers, Lochgilphead.
After the success of last year’s gundog scurry, this competition will once again take place from 11am.
One of the show highlights arrives at 3pm with the adjudication of the supreme champion of the show for 2017, judged across all species and breeds.
Away from the competition side, trade stands will offer a variety of goods for sale, including crafts, clothing, toys, produce and agricultural machinery and equipment.
There are children’s competitions and rides to keep the little ones amused, plus a climbing wall for the more adventurous, all ensuring families enjoy a great day out.
Adding to the buzz around this year’s Mid Argyll Show will be a new beekeeping section.
Show president Tim Lister said: 'With new attractions this year, including the spectacular carriage rides, beekeeping and many other fun events, alongside a high quality show of livestock and equestrian events, there is something for everyone to enjoy.'
He added: 'We are grateful to our many sponsors for supporting the event and this year we have received support from the Infinis A Chruach wind farm fund, which will be used for ground improvements.'
A free shuttle bus service will be in operation from Lochgilphead front, taking people to the show ground via the school car park.
Organisers remind anyone wishing to enter this year's classes they may enter as many competitions as they like for free, but an admission fee will be payable.
These are £7 for an adult and £3 for concessions and children aged five to 15. Under-fives get in free.