Doors open an annual farmer’s show

(CNS): Visitors to the 47th annual Agricultural Show can look forward to a jam-packed, family-oriented programme, filled with the traditional sights and sounds of Grand Cayman’s farming community, said officials. The show which opened at 7-30am this morning, Ash Wednesday is an opportunity for local farmers and crafters to show off their wares and produce as they battle for the prizes in numerous categories for their efforts. Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Agriculture Minister Kurt Tibbetts, and MLA Joey Hew are set to join crowds for the colourful opening ceremony. A parade of flags on horseback and a livestock show are just some of the items that organisers have planned, before Kilpatrick rings a cowbell to declare the fair open.

Once the ceremony has ended Agricultural Society President Justin Wood and Department of Agriculture Director Adrian Estwick will lead the Governor on a tour of the many stalls, displays and exhibits that will be sprawled across the grounds.
Stops will include a live-cooking competition between two VIPs, visits to exhibitions organized by each district on Grand Cayman, as well as to livestock displays, the Farmers’ Interactive tent and the Agro-Industrial display.

Younger fair-goers can also look forward to a K9 Protection demonstration, a pig race, a tug of war, pony rides and a petting zoo, in addition to storytelling in the Children’s Play Area.
Meanwhile in the afternoon budding chefs from the National Youth Culinary Programme will face off against the Tourism Apprenticeship programme participants as part of a ‘Chopped’-style competition.

The show has also scheduled a number of live performances throughout the day including the Pathfinders drill team, the Kri Dancers, the Cayman Marching Band, and a display by the Purple Dragon Karate School.

General admission tickets cost $10 and raffle tickets cost $25. Organisers have promised expanded parking at the Grounds and surrounding lots. Bus service will also be available.