Agricultural Exhibition prep underway

This year’s 75th Agricultural Exhibition, which will be held on April 18th, 19th and 20th, at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, will feature an exciting line-up of displays, performances and competitions.

More than 3,000 participants have registered for this year’s show with a large number of submissions from across all categories - from miniature model gardens; to flower arrangements; and of course jar after jar of delicious jams waiting to be scrutinized by the judges’ pallets.

“Preparations are nearing completion to make this another successful, dynamic show that has proven to be one of the most popular events on the Bermudian calendar,” explained Department of Parks Exhibition Planner Georgette Caines. “We have moved some things around a bit this year to accommodate the overwhelming number of entrants we have received in certain categories – in particular when it comes to the ‘educational crafts’ such as the homemade kites, decorated eggs and recyclable critters.”

The theme for the show this year is: ’75 years of Growing our Environment to Protect our Heritage’ with the tagline: ‘Come Grow With Us’.

“It is through this theme that the show intends to promote the importance of protecting our heritage through agricultural and horticultural methods,” Ms Caines explained. “To this end, many of the exhibits and displays reflect this message; including our ‘Agro Zone’ which will allow kids to learn about the sustainability of growing plants for food. For us to sustain ourselves we have to learn how to grow what we eat and do it in a way that is mindful of the environment and our eco-footprint.”

Because the Agricultural Exhibition aims to showcase the wide variety of local traditions and culture, there are numerous divisions available for people to show off their hobbies and talents. These include equestrian events, livestock, vegetables, fruits, floriculture, home-made food products, woodwork, traditional kite-making and art competitions.

Two new additions to this year’s Agricultural Exhibition lineup include a photo booth and interactive 3d farm. Ms Caines explains how the photo booth will work: “The idea of the photo booth would be that visitors to the show could go there and have their photograph taken against various different backgrounds – there are Superhero backgrounds, flowers, the sky – and then use social media such as Twitter and Facebook to showcase them with the hashtag # agshow2013.”

During this year’s Agricultural Exhibition the Department of Parks encourages members of the public to visit their ‘Southlands Survey Booth’ to share your ideas regarding the future management of Southlands once it becomes a National Park.

In the Main Ring, there will be several equestrian events over the three days, as well as a goat competition, awards presentations and the opening and closing ceremonies.

The Lower Entertainment Ring will showcase local talent throughout the three days which will include performances by school groups, puppet shows, music schools, dance troupes, performing artists, and bands.

Aside from the Lower Entertainment Ring, there is also a very popular goat milking display, eco-friendly traditional games (such as hula hoops, rowing, marbles, tossing bean bags, go-carts etc), and community booths set up to inform the public on a variety of services and programmes available throughout the community such as those by KBB, World Vision, and Mirrors.

“We find that the children really gravitate towards the animals…the pigs, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs,  insects, ponies – they love being up close with all of them,” said Ms Caines. “Adults tend to enjoy perusing the flower arrangement displays or taking a seat on the hill to cheer on the horse jumping in the main ring, with a cotton-candy or fish sandwich in their hand.”

While the Department of Parks bears the main load of the preparation and running of the Agricultural Exhibition, it could not be the success that it is without the willing assistance of the Department of Conservation Services, the Department of Communication and Information, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Accountant General’s Office, and several others -  all of which provide expertise, staffing and resources to ensure that all facets of the show run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

These efforts are matched by the volunteer efforts of the Bermuda Equestrian Federation, the Poultry Fanciers, the Bermuda Botanical Society, the Bermuda Rose Society, The Garden Club of Bermuda, The Orchid Society and numerous individuals who also volunteer their time.

Preparations for each show begin a year in advance at the Post-mortem of the previous show. It is there that the Divisional Officers discuss what worked well, what needs improvement and what needs additional promotion and or input of resources.

From this point, the Exhibition Planner takes over and the theme is developed, the schedule is determined with the relevant stakeholders, the catalogue is completely overhauled, revamped, developed, proofed and printed with the assistance of DCI, and the detailed work begins.

The Minister of Environment and Planning the Hon. Sylvan Richards JP MP said: “I am very much looking forward to this year’s Agricultural Exhibition. I encourage everyone in Bermuda to come by and see all the fabulous exhibits on display and learn new things about Bermuda’s culture and environment. Children can see animals that they rarely see in their everyday lives, the public are challenged to think about how they live in harmony with nature, charities are provided with an opportunity to raise funds for their causes, local entertainers are given a stage to showcase their talent, and the entire Bermudian community moves in synchronicity with each other. These reflect the true purpose and value of the Bermuda Agricultural Exhibition.”

There are four points of access to the Agricultural Exhibition, with all but one being drop-off points only. The Point Finger Road entry, Peace Lutheran Gate entry, and the Berry Hill Road entry are all drop-off locations only while vehicles can enter and park for free if they use the South Shore entrance. Berry Hill Road is one way running from Tee Street towards the junction with point Finger Road.

The grounds are open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and exhibition houses are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 16 years, $5 for seniors and free for children under 5 years of age.

Visit www.bdaexhibition.bm for more information and to see this year’s schedule.