Agriculture on centre stage

(CNS): Cayman’s 42nd Annual Agriculture Show takes place Wednesday 25 February at the Stacey Watler Pavilion in Lower Valley. The traditional Ash Wednesday event offers a cultural experience with local food, family-oriented entertainment, arts and crafts displays and offers Cayman’s farmers the chance to show off their life stock and produce. The event starts at 8:00 am and last until 8:00 pm and visitors are being encouraged to car pool.

“I’m proud to be part of this annual showcase of the best of Cayman’s farmers, plant nurseries, backyard gardeners, and traditional artisans,” Minister for Agriculture, Kurt Tibbetts said. “Not only is it an opportunity for camaraderie, but it’s also a chance for families to spend wholesome time together while learning a few gardening tips, and enjoying some of the more traditional aspects of our Islands.”

Accoding to the ministry visitors can look forward to the ever-popular Department of Agriculture (DoA) plant sale; beautiful baby, and tug-of-war, competitions; an old-time fashion show; equestrian performances; and a talent show and gospel concert. Just for the little ones, a special Buttonwood maze, complete with a thatch-roofed playhouse, has also been added, courtesy of the Dart Foundation.

With the focus on backyard and patio gardening this year, attendees can get insightful tips from the DoA, Garden Club, and National Trust on topics such as grow boxes, grafting, and the beneficial properties of traditional teas.

Other interactive seminars will be presented by the Orchid Society, Health Services Authority, and the Cayman National Cultural Foundation. These will be held under the pavilion, which has been rearranged this year to offer an additional rest area for residents.

General admission tickets to the event are CI$10 for adults, and $5 for children from 2-12 years. Infants enter free. Raffle tickets, which offer attendees a chance to win CI$20,000; a yard package from AL Thompson; or a getaway for two to Escape Villas in Jamaica, are CI$25. Ticket proceeds will be added to the Agricultural Society’s scholarship fun.