110th milestone for Bathurst Agricultural Show this year
THIS year’s Bathurst Agricultural Show is the 110th show to take place at the Bathurst Showgrounds and will run from Friday April 6 to Sunday April 8.
The show, the province’s oldest, biggest and longest-running show, has allowed the organisers, the Bathurst Agricultural Society (BAS), to help surrounding community members with development projects.
Through the show, BAS is able to help by providing additional employment and income during the preand post-show period.
Tourism is also equally boosted as an estimated 12000 visitors are attracted to the area each year creating support for local businesses with much-needed funding.
“Where Town and Country Meet” is the show’s motto and is demonstrated by an average of 180 standholders from near and far.
There is considerable excitement from visitors as they tour the market stalls each year, bringing the showgrounds to life as the stallholders display their extensive range of products – from heavy-duty farming equipment to homemade arts and crafts, which often results in business partnerships being formed, trading opportunities furthered and the cross-section of ideas taking place.
Although there is far more to see at the show, cattle and other livestock remain the reason for the show’s existence.
Quality livestock, comprising of a vast selection of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry compete for prizes and magnificent and prestigious trophies.
The ever-popular auction allows buyers to become owners of stud and commercial cattle.
There is also competition by local pineapple farmers who challenge one another to discover who can produce the best fruit. And the national standard equestrian events draw more than 100 horses and their accomplished riders to occupy the main arena for an extra day.
Amazing talents and skills are displayed in a home industries hall with a wide range of of categories – from adult and junior art, photography, quilting, needlework, floral decorating, farm produce, leatherwork to woodwork just to name a few.
The home industries section is one of the few that still exist at agricultural shows, and the diverse exhibits are judged according to the highest standards applicable and prizes are awarded in the form of trophies and items generously donated by local businesses and the public.
There will also be plenty of entertainment and fun for all ages with miniature train trips around the grounds, an exciting funfair, paintball, quadbike rides, jumping castles, face painting, a mechanical bull, an army obstacle course, Tiger Titans mini-cricket, as well as popular games, such as sack races and egg-and-spoon races.
In addition, there will be a vast array of delicious meals and tempting tasty treats supplied by numerous food kiosks. How long has it been since you tasted “moerkoffie”? Or freshly baked koeksisters or melktert?
The show also features vintage tractor and classic car parades, an incredible dog show, sheep shearing demonstrations, school bands and a Scottish bagpiper.
For those who view the show as the perfect opportunity to catch up and relax with friends, old and new, the two pubs – the Bull’s Inn and the Horse and Plough – are where one finds friends, as well as live local music.
Survival of the Bathurst Agricultural Show has always relied upon the muchappreciated volunteers, as well as the support of sponsors, be it either financially or by kindly donating prizes towards the numerous competitions.
“The society is most grateful for their assistance and generosity and hopes for continued support in the many years to come,” BAS president Danny Wepener said.