Preparations are continuing for the 11th Athlone Agri-Show and Food Festival, which takes place at the Showgrounds, Moydrum on Sunday June 30.
The 2013 show programme should fulfil the dreams of attendees, with a variety of stands and amusements for the young and not so young, including a full programme of side attractions for the thousands of patrons who like a good family day out.
The ‘Made in the Midlands’ Food Village, which turned out to be a great attraction over the past two years, is back again, bigger and better under the supervision of Martin Monaghan.
Martin expects a classic exhibition of the best of produce produced in the Midlands, and says the Food Village allows the local producers and suppliers to meet directly with their customers. A visit to the Food Village is a must for all foodies, where you will be able to witness various food demonstrations, taste the products, and have the opportunity to buy the very best of Irish produce from your locality.
Judging will take place at 12 noon in the popular cookery section, sponsored by local business Allen’s Home & Kitchenware, with €1,000 of Allen’s vouchers to be won.
In the bovine section co-ordinator Michael Flanagan has 91 showing classes plus many qualifiers for the National Livestock Show. Judging will take place at 12pm. Judging in the equine section takes place at 10am. Gillian Kinahan, the new equine co-ordinator, has a total of 115 classes for adjudication.
Ovine co-ordinator Colm Mee is expecting to see the biggest exhibition of sheep ever in the Midlands, with all the popular breeds catered for; while the poultry and pets section includes 41 classes for all kinds of birds and eggs.
The Irish Goat Producers Association will stage their All Ireland Summer Goat Show on the day, with in excess of 100 goats expected to participate.
The Athlone Agri-Show will also feature trade stands, super dog show at 2pm, tug o’ war and sheaf tossing, as well as musical entertainment from the travelling Country & Western Cowboy Disco Roadshow with open air dancing all day long.
Side shows will include a variety of fun and games for all the children such as a water bubble of fun and body shocker, mini digger and the duck pond, children’s potato picking competition, sheep racing, score the euro goal, Jump for Joy with bouncy castles, quad bikes, slides, and gladiator arena.
New to the show this year is Animal Magic and Mini Zoo, where you will be able to see all the birds of prey in full flight and learn all about them at workshops during the day. Other activities include face painting, novelty balloons, colouring competitions, small pets corner, and gardening, all at the Grovelands Childcare Marquee.
The showground will be open at 8am for exhibitors and 10am for the general public - a fabulous day’s entertainment for €10. There is free parking, and kids go free.
