With Ash Wednesday fast approaching, farmers are preparing for Grand Cayman’s biggest and best show of the year – the 46th annual Agriculture Show.

This means that come Wednesday, 13 February, the Agriculture Grounds in Lower Valley will be a virtual beehive of activity. Gates open at 800 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.

Said to be the largest one day event in the Cayman Islands, the Agriculture Show represents a unique blend of the traditional and new in an agricultural setting. It is the occasion where farmers get to showcase their best crops and livestock. Additionally, the Cayman Islands Agriculture Society ensures that there is a bit of everything for the entire family. Highlights include the Youth Cook Off, equestrian show and rodeo, district demonstrations, HM Customs’ canine demonstration and a host of activities for children. These include a special play area, pony rides and the Beautiful Baby contest. Live entertainment will include Impulse, JR Douglas and Swanky bands.

Prizes will be awarded to the best livestock and crop exhibitors and best arts and craft exhibitors, starting at 2:00 p.m.

The Agriculture Show is also well known for its local fare, featuring the largest variety of traditional Caymanian delicacies such as stewed turtle, fish done in a variety of ways, including the ever popular fish and fritters,  conch, whelks, local Caymanian beef, coconut dinners – fish and salt beef rundowns.  Of course, children’s favourites such as fried chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available, as well as jerk pork and chicken.

Premier and Minister responsible for Agriculture Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly who is a keen farmer said, “I am proponent of ‘grow what you eat and eat what you grow’. Agriculture is one of the most important industries as it fulfills life’s most essential need, that of food.

“I would like to encourage the public to come out and see what’s going on in the farming community. It’s an opportunity for all to encourage our farmers, learn more about the sector and have a great deal of family fun in the process,” she added.

Raffle tickets cost $25, which includes admission and a chance of winning $20,000; or General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children aged two to 12 years.  Ticket outlets are Funky Tangs, A.L. Thompson’s, Agriculture Society members, South Coast Bar, and Restaurant, Meringue Town and Cayman Coating.