The 43rd Annual Agricultural Show takes place on Ash Wednesday, 17 February at the Grounds in Lower Valley, highlighting a week of activities that celebrate Cayman’s agricultural heritage.
The event is hosted by the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society in association with the Ministry of District Administration Works and Gender Affairs and the Department of Agriculture.
District Administration Minister the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, JP noted that agriculture holds a special place in local history and also has a critical role in the Islands’ economic future. She urged the members of the public to support the Grand Cayman event as well as the Sister Islands Agriculture Show set for Saturday, 27 February.
The Agricultural Society’s President Errol Watler said that this year’s show in Lower Valley will again be a fun-filled experience for the entire family, offering a mix of new activities with old favourites.
Mr. Watler explained that a special exhibit honouring the work of Caymanian women will be a fresh attraction. The gospel concert is back on the programme at a new time of 3:00 p.m.
“The gates open at 8:00a.m. with plant sales beginning at that time. As is customary, there will be a variety of stalls featuring local foods; arts and craft; agricultural produce, livestock, and products and services.
The day will kick off with an official opening ceremony at 9:00a.m. featuring His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Duncan Taylor, CBE; Acting Premier the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, JP and other officials, along with a rodeo show featuring the Wranglers (which goes on all day) and the Cadet Corps.
Thereafter, the day’s agenda will offer a host of entertainment: “Included are a fully interactive children’s play zone, kids activities in the arena including sack races and pony rides; a dog demonstration by Customs; a rope-making competition; a domino tournament; interactive tent hosted by the Orchid Society and Garden Club, as well as a beautiful baby contest,” Mr. Watler explained. “Also on the agenda are a traditional Caymanian wedding display, a drill demonstration by our youth services organisations and Caymanian story-telling,” he said.
Live music will be provided by the Impulse Band, Undiscovered and Thanks and Praises bands. Other activities scheduled during the week include a church service at Red Bay Holiness Church on Sunday, 14 February, farmers’ seminars on cattle and swine nutrition at the Agricultural grounds on the afternoon of Friday, 19 and the CIAS Awards Evening and Barbecue that same night.
For general information, or details on entering any of the competitions, contact the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society on 947-3696 or email kerry [dot] forbes [at] gov [dot] ky.
