I know we have told you about this before but – the Sister Islands are gearing up for their respective Agricultural Shows, which will take place on Saturday, 2 March on Cayman Brac and on 23 March on Little Cayman.

The Cayman Brac show

This will take place at the Agriculture Grounds off Songbird Road on the Bluff and starts at 8:00 a.m. The show has traditionally been an important forum that assists the Department of Agriculture to spread its message about the benefits of backyard farming through the sale of seedlings and plants.

The Sister Islands MLA and Cayman Islands Premier, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly wants everyone to support both shows.

Cayman Airways has scheduled extra flights for those who want to attend the Cayman Brac show so there is no excuse for not flying over there and meeting old and new friends. We are one country just divided by some water.

“These shows offer the usual extravaganza of colour, competition and showmanship along with displays, and are a great opportunity for social interaction in the close-knit communities of our Sister Islands. The good thing about agriculture in Little Cayman is that just about everyone does their part. They understand the importance of backyard farming and rely on each other,” the Premier stated.

Livestock, crafts and a variety of farm produce will be showcased. The shows are also well known for local delicacies such as stewed turtle, whelks, conch and beef, fish, chicken and lobster prepared in a variety of ways with all the trimmings and sides such as rice and beans, potato salad and locally grown foods.

As in previous years, prizes will be awarded to the King, Queen, Prince and Princess of the Show. Last year’s winners in Cayman Brac were:  Theresa Mena, who was crowned Queen and Margarito “Merch” Chantelope, crowned King. The Prince and Princess of the show were David Scott (Creek and Spot Bay Primary School) and Lorie Parchman from West End Primary.

Admission: $10 for Raffle Ticket includes the opportunity to win US$2,000, US$1,000and many more; or general admission is $8 adult (Ages 11 and Up) and $4 child ages 4-10 and children 3 and under are free.

C-Level Band, Lammie Seymour from Grand Cayman, Koalition (Dancers) and many local artistes, will be entertaining everyone there.

The Little Cayman Show

This will be held at Blossom Village next to the Marine Museum.

The show features such things as the Linton Tibbett’s coconut toss, a dog show, tractor rides and workshops on plant fertilization and transplanting.

The 2012 King and Queen of Little Cayman Agriculture Show went to Mr. Franklin Bodden and Mirelda Messias.

The Minister’s Special Awards for Agriculture Spirit – Youth went to Little Cayman Education Services students.

Debbi Truchan, the chairperson of the Little Cayman Agriculture Show, took the prize in the adult category of the Minister’s Special Award.

The cost of admission is $10 and this includes a raffle ticket, for chance to win US$1,000.00 and many more prizes.

And that’s no little prize to win.