HOLD YOUR HORSES!
HORSING AROUND: Posing with one of the horses at the Bathurst Agricultural Show on Saturday were, from left, Rebecca Jones, Rachel Philips and Lily Bowker.
The annual Bathurst Agricultural Show enjoyed a huge turnout of visitors from Friday April 5, to Sunday April 7. As usual, the village was bursting with people on their way to and from the show.
Over the three days there was much to see and do, including watching the show jumping, bidding on animal auctions or just looking at the livestock large and small, admiring vintage cars and brand new farming machinery, and browsing through the wide variety of interesting stalls.
The event opened up with breakfast in the beer garden, which was busy the whole weekend.
The first activities were for special needs children and junior schools on the Friday morning, and various competitions such as the youth show competition, and on Saturday the Boerboel dog competition, baby competition and later the Frontier Bonsmara Cook-off and
boerewors competition, judged by Gordon Wright.
The cattle section was bigger than ever, with outstanding exhibits and exceptional breeding and slaughter animals on offer.
Cattle farmers from all over the Eastern Cape brought cattle to display and promote the respective breeds they produce.
Attendees of the show expressed enthusiasm and excitement about the experiences they had had at the show.
“I came with my friends and so far we are having such an amazing time. There’s so much to do, we have a lot to watch, even the stalls are amazing.
“There are so many exciting activities for both young and old people,” Chris Young said.
Other programme highlights included the prize-giving of the Pineapple Growers’ Association, a police K9 unit demonstration with their dogs, a laugh-out-loud lawnmower race, sheep shearing, leatherwork demonstration, live entertainment and much more.
Delicious food was on offer from Bathurst Butchery.
The Garden and Home section of the show included crafted furniture and unique pieces created by Rolf Bryant Designs, who uses reclaimed wood to create some real masterpieces.
The best agri stand award went to McCormick Agri, followed by John Deere in second place, and Tractorworld in third place.
Best double outdoor stand saw Kenrich in first place, followed by I Hire in second place, and Toyota third.
Then the best double indoor stand saw first place going to MultiSecurity, followed by Rustic Reflections, and in third place was Veld and Vlei.
Then award for best single indoor stand went to True Arts, followed by Blue Sky in second place and Doggy Bizarre third.
Best in education went to Kingswood College followed by Port Alfred High School. Honourable mention went to Treasure Cove.
The best single outdoor stand went to Taltec, followed by Kubota, and in third place was Robson Toy tractors.
Best non agri/ non motor stand saw I Hire coming first, followed by Makita, then Allcut. Best service/ non-profit stand went to the Bathurst Agricultural Museum followed by First City Regiment.
Best motor vehicle stand was Kenrich, followed by Toyota and in third place was Hyundai.
The best overall stand went to MultiSecurity.
Best mini market stand went to Treasure Cove, followed by Munya designs, and in third place was Ansika.
Home industries results are as follows: Joan Purdon was awarded for the most outstanding exhibit in home industries, GF Dixon was awarded for the most points in farm produce, Edith Blackbeard was awarded for the most points in home craft, Collette Hendricks was awarded for the most points in floral art, the Lower Albany Woodworkers Guild was awarded for best woodwork and Stan Delven the trophy for bonsai.