Come Ash Wednesday every year, residents of the Cayman Islands gear up for the excitement of the beginning of the three Agricultural Shows that take place on the Cayman Islands.
Young and old from Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are afforded the opportunity to see and interact with Cayman’s farmers and get a close up look at what they produce and farm animals such as cattle, pigs, goats and poultry.
There are equestrian drills and jumps, and of course, pony rides, plus live entertainment by local bands and dance demonstrations. The piece de resistance is the farm and livestock exhibition. Patrons get to see and purchase the best produce from farmers on the islands and farmers compete for prizes and bragging rights, as their produce and animals are judged for best in show.
In Grand Cayman, traditional art demonstrations, cultural exhibits, a marching band and scavenger hunt are just a few of the activities that people can enjoy, alongside the Beautiful Baby Contest. A popular feature is the plant sale, featuring plants from local nurseries and the Department of Agriculture.
The Agriculture Shows are also a gastronomic delight, 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 and Run Downs. Much simpler fare such as fried chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available as well as jerk pork and chicken.
Not to be forgotten are the Kids, they have a special play area, to include pony rides, petting zoo, storytelling, interactive games, maze and milking demonstration promises to be a fun time. This year the CIAS have added a new feature bringing into focus what is grown locally and how it is taken from the ground to the table.
This Interactive feature will see our local youth create menus, cook and serve samples of local beef, produce, fish and eggs in a Cooking Demonstration/Competition that is sure to draw the interest of many of the Shows attendees.
Julianna O’Connor-Conolly, the deputy premier and minister for district administration, worksm land and agriculture, says the shows demonstrate the best of what the Cayman Islands have to offer.
“The main purposes of the Agriculture Show are to give exhibitors and farmers exposure, to educate the public on the many aspects of agriculture in the Islands and for people in the community to socialise and renew old friendships,” she says.
According to Errol Watler, the president of the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society, each year is also a celebration of the efforts that make the show possible.
“The shows are a joint effort of the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society, the Ministry of District Administration Works, Lands & Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture. They rely heavily on volunteers who take pride in the people involved take a great deal of pride in creating a productive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved,” he says.
The three shows, while a mirror image of each other, also have unique attributes, based on their location. The Grand Cayman Agriculture show is the largest and will celebrate its 45th staging, when it is held on Ash Wednesday, 22 February 2012.
It is held at the Grounds in Lower Valley. Entry fee is $10. The popular $20,000 grand prize raffle tickets are $25 and include the $10 entrance fee. Gates open at 7am, with the official opening ceremony at 9am.
The Cayman Brac Show is set for Saturday 25 February at the Agriculture Grounds.
Eat, shop and view the livestock, produce and craft displays; watch the show jumping and other equestrian events; see the baby show and old time fashion parade; visit the Hall of Fame and spend some time relaxing or catching up with friends.
The agricultural shows are a Caymanian tradition and the place to be on 22 February in Grand Cayman, 25 February on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman date 24 March.
For more information on the Grand Cayman Show, please
visit
cias.ky or call Kerry Forbes-Townsend at 947 3696/917 5198 or email
info@cias.ky