The Agricultural Show 2002 is nearly here. On Saturday 16 November the Agricultural and Natural Resources Department is hoping for sunny skies and a large crowd at Francis Plain. This will be another big event in St Helena’s Q5 year.

"The show is well on the way and the momentum is building up," said Vincent March, Agricultural Development Officer. He added: "People are taking an interest and there has been response in all exhibit areas. They are to be congratulated for this." He feels that it is the participants who will make the day and is pleased that St Helenians are going to show off with their produce and animals.

Vincent is responsible for organising this much talked about event along with other members of the Agricultural Show Working Committee.

There has been quite a lot of interest to enter animals as well as district stalls, which will include various exhibits from crafts to confectionary and vegetables to eggs.

In addition, the Department has also received expressions of interest from members of the public to sell food on the day and a number of other activities will take place to entertain the public.

Vincent said that the A&NR personnel are feeling very positive about the event and some of their employees are now in the process of constructing pens and stalls on Francis Plain.

Besides making an entertaining day for all who decide to attend, the overall purpose of the show is to promote the Island’s livestock and local produce. The planning and preparation has stimulated both teamwork and interest in the community as districts compile items for their stalls and decide on which animals should be entered. Out of the six stalls that have entered, only one will walk away with the Q5 district agricultural shield although there will be other prizes to be won.