County Show

Following a brief period of uncertainty, the Island's annual County Show returned unbeaten and unphased to the Northwood Showground near Newport this August - to the great relief of hundreds of traders, farmers, residents and visitors alike.

The recent outbreak of the often highly contagious viral foot-and-mouth disease in Surrey meant that speculation was rife as to whether the show, which is famed for its livestock, would go ahead. However, with disinfectant foam mats at every entrance and cattle, sheep, goats and pigs eliminated from the proceedings due to national restrictions, the County Show defied the odds and emerged a huge success, regardless of this years set of unfortunate circumstances.

The show must go on!

In the weeks prior to the show, the Royal Agricultural Society whose flagship event this is, were determined to press on with proceedings in a bid to allow Islanders to continue to demonstrate their support for our local farmers. Although animals are a traditional feature of the County Show, there were many other attractions to compensate for their absence, including spectacular arena events, folk tent entertainment, trade stands, local talent showcases, equestrian events and of course, the all-important farmers market. Horses, poultry, guinea pigs and dogs were unaffected by the county's standstill on cloven-footed animals.

Thankfully visitors to the show were not deterred in any way by the minor change in schedule, and people of all ages, including families accompanied by their pet dogs, flocked through the gates from 9 in the morning on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August.

A superb insight into rural life here on the IOW

The event, which promised to give visitors the chance to see and learn about the finer details of country life, provided a superb insight into country and farming pursuits. The poultry tent and horticultural marquee contained prize-winning best in show displays to capture the imagination. Additionally, the Garden Show incorporated some stunning exhibits from the recent Photographic Competition. For the younger attendees the opportunity existed to go tree climbing and pond dipping in the woods, not to mention the chance to take part in or witness ferret racing and bowling with wooden skittles the old fashioned way.

New for the County Show this year was the 'Folk on the Field' marquee containing a real ale bar and an array of performers including a troupe of belly dancers and the ever popular 'New Forest Plonkers' who tickled the funny bones of many with their hilarious compilation of country ditties. A further consecutive weekend of brilliant sunshine permitted individuals to relax on hay bales whilst soaking up the entertainment and enjoying nourishment from the numerous catering outlets.

Supporting local farmers through turbulent times

This year a record number of horse exhibits came up trumps in reflecting the support the Royal Agricultural Society and committee receive from the Island's rural community. If the performances put on by their skilled riders and new driving qualifiers left spectators craving more, the main arena was on hand to deliver spine-tingling acts such as Rodeo Dave and the Adrenaline Show. Stunt artist Jason made the trip down from Exeter in order to perform on a motorbike/quad bike combination to a staggered audience. Owing to the recent spell of prolonged wet weather a lack of traction proved quite challenging and meant that the show ground was more slippery than anticipated. The Adrenaline Show however, appeared unaffected as each stunt was carried out to perfection, accompanied by a running commentary from the courageous driver himself.

Other attractions at the County Show included Adam's Axemen, Wight Wizards dog agility & Flyball, tractors, classic cars, Parade of Hounds, Terrier Racing and the Island's very own craft marquee. All of the traders have been very busy this month amidst the range of weekend summer shows, but were never-the-less delighted to have been a part of this most intrepid and defiant of occasions.

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