Farmers and event organisers have spent the week scrutinising the forecast ahead of the big day, and it’s so far, so good – but it will go ahead regardless of the weather and hundreds of visitors are expected to flock to the Park Farm site for the region’s largest agricultural event.
Judging will get underway at 9 am when all eyes will be on the cattle, sheep, goats and horses. Entries are strong with 108 dairy cattle and 256 beef registered, as well as 917 sheep, 97 goats and 403 horses. This year also includes the Scottish National Hereford Show and the Bluefaced Leicester Progeny Show and there will be BSJA showjumping.
Cups and trophies will be presented by Gillian Kerr in the main ring during the afternoon’s grand parade, starting at 2.15 pm.
As well as livestock, there’s going to be lots more on offer for showgoers, from dozens of trade stands selling everything from whisky to sweets, as well as a craft fair, food festival, hotly contested cheese competition, display of vintage machinery and demonstrations in the wool tent from members of the Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers. There will be entertainers, rides and attractions for children, who enjoy free entry into the event, including facepainting, Daffy Dill, Douglas the Clown and bouncy castles.
And, a busy programme has been lined up in the main ring with displays from Dumfries and Stewartry Foxhounds, entertainment from Dumfries Pipe Band, Pedal Power v Parkour, the judging of the Clydesdale Horse Stud Carts and the Young Farmers’ tug-of-war.
