CI Agricultural Show March 5

The Cayman Islands Agricultural Show, scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, 2014, is celebrating its 47th year with fun-filled events and presentations suitable for the whole family. The gates open at 7:30 a.m. so get there early to begin your day of discovery.

If you’ve visited the show in the past, you may have found parking to be a bit tight. This year there will be ample spaces for all, as the available parking has expanded to the surrounding area. A bus service will be operating throughout the day to shuttle visitors to and from the parking lots, allowing for a smooth flow of traffic and minimum inconvenience.

The parking lot is not the only facility being expanded this year. Everyone should stop by the newly enlarged Agro Industrial Area with such lead merchants as A. L. Thompson’s, Industrial Services & Equipment, Electra Tech and Bodden’s Heavy Equipment being featured in the space.

The cooking competition is also a hot item on the schedule – literally! This year the Tourism Apprenticeship Program and the National Youth Culinary Program will go head-to-head to see who will emerge victorious. The participants have been mentored by local island chefs, and are keen to show off the skills they’ve learned to the public.

What many people may not know is that when Premier Alden McLaughlin and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson are not involved in government work, they like to take to their stoves and cook. This will be the one to watch, as they both showcase their culinary expertise to the delight of their audience. Be a member for this demonstration to remember.

There will be many more interactive experiences at the show this year, with the enhanced children’s play area in addition to pony rides and a petting zoo for the wee ones. Music lovers will also be delighted to hear a wide array of entertainment performing on the Grand Stand, keeping the atmosphere lively as patrons make their way through the show.

Livestock will be on display in the exhibit areas, and farmers are planning to showcase their work with farm animals, which should be an interesting presentation for even those not involved in the farming trade.

Some other exciting events not to be missed include the rodeo, and the pomp and circumstance of the opening ceremony.

Of course there will be lots of terrific local food on sale, so come hungry and leave happy!

Raffle tickets are now on sale, with a top prize of $20,000. For more information on the Agricultural Show and how to buy tickets, visit http://www.caymanagriculture.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cayman-Agriculture/163250980356770