great events for animal lovers
THE Game’s afoot at Perth as a fun-filled weekend beckons.
It’s the 29th anniversary of the GWCT Scottish Game Fair, the annual event for countryside enthusiasts.
This year’s action-packed programme includes an abundance of animals and wildlife including gundogs, terriers, birds of prey, ducks, rarebreed cattle, sheep, bees and horses.
The lively main ring programme features lots of favourites such as the highly entertaining Dog ‘n’ Duck Show, spectacular axe demos from Gwynedd Axemen, the Tug o’ War and the ever-popular Terrier Racing. There will also be attractions including birds of prey, pipe bands, gun dog demos, fishing demos, dog agility and much more.
The Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies makes a return on the Sunday, when around 20 beautiful and rare hill ponies will be shown in the main ring.
Around the Fair visitors can see the hilarious Sheep Show, watch the exciting casting and fly fishing competitions on the River Tay and have a go at many activities including clay and gnat shooting, fishing, scurry, as well as view the experts in action.
New for 2017, the Fair is hosting the inaugural Four Nations International Gundog competition on Saturday.
Teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are set to compete on the island in front of the large grandstand by the River Tay. Each team will run three spaniels and three retrievers. The judges are specialists from the competing nations.
If you are visiting with children, make sure you see the Wee Beasties Marquee, where will be a hive of activity for children wanting to learn more about honeybees and pollination.
Wildlife sculptor Julian Jardine and Royal Highland Education Trust will also be running a variety of free workshops and offering children the opportunity to get involved in hands-on activities such as clay model making and having a go at pressing their own oil from the oilseed rape press.
And you can top off your day with a bit of shopping and a visit to the tasty food hall.
With more than 50 traders and a busy timetable of demos and talks at the cookery theatre, it is a good spot to pick up a picnic or some delicious goodies to take home.
scottishfair.com
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