Organisers of the 2011 Agriculture Show are finalising plans for a bigger and more fulfilling show this Ash Wednesday (9 March).
Citing the increasingly important role that agriculture plays in the Island’s national development, Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, JP welcomed the 44th staging of the show.
“The Ministry continues to lend our support to both the Grand Cayman and the Cayman Brac agriculture shows because we believe in our farmers, and we recognise that these shows provide a great forum for them to showcase and market their goods,” the Minister said.
Cayman Islands Agriculture Society President Errol Watler noted that this year’s activities include traditional art demonstrations, cultural exhibits, traditional tea tasting and a scavenger hunt.
He added that there will also be a number of activities geared at introducing residents to life on the farm.
“We will have a cow milking demonstration, chicken hatchling demonstration and discussion on the work of the Caymanian farmer,” he said.
“A returning feature this year is the school’s interactive tent which gives children the opportunity to showcase their art, crafts, essays and poems focused on agriculture and the environment,” he added.
Other favourites of the show have also returned. This includes the Beautiful Baby Contest; the YMS drill and the equestrian activities.
Entertainment includes a gospel concert, the Cayman Islands Marching Band, dance demonstrations, and a number of local bands.
The popular $20,000 grand prize raffle is also back. People may pre-purchase their raffle tickets at Funky Tangs or purchase at the gate on the day of the show. Raffle tickets cost $25.00 and allow a patron to enter the show grounds without paying the $10 entry fee.
“We are expecting to have an exciting show with activities for the entire family, and we ask everyone to come and be a part of it,” said Mr. Watler.
Director of the Department of Agriculture Adrian Estwick said that he is proud of the support that the department continues to give to the show and the farmers of the Cayman Islands.
“This collaborative process involving the ministry, the department, the farmers, and the Society is what continues to keep the show growing from strength to strength,” Mr. Estwick said.
(GIS)
