FOR the last decade Susan Bicket has been the heartbeat behind the scenes of the Dumfries Show.
Everything is coming together nicely for the latest instalment of the biggest agricultural show in the region this Saturday at Park Farm.
And secretary Susan – just one of the show committee who have been working hard to organise the popular event since October – has one wish for her tenth year celebrations, for good weather!
She said: “We’re all ready to go now. Everything has come together well and we’re keeping everything crossed that the weather is on our side.
“I’ve not been brave enough to even check the forecast. It would be lovely if it’s a nice day.
“We start getting the show together in October and look at appointing judges and entertainment. We then start to send out information to the relevant parties and getting the schedule together. We then get the entries in so we can get the catalogue ready for the big day. It’s a year-round job!
“On the day I deal with all the queries that people have, phone calls and if there’s any problems. The results tent is really important as it shows all the hard work everyone has put in because without our livestock exhibitors or any of the exhibitors we wouldn’t have a show.
“It’s really nice to see them rewarded for the hard work that they put in.
“This is my tenth year as secretary and every single show is different and makes it such an interesting job. I don’t think I’ll be doing anything to celebrate it as I’ll be too tired.”
The world has certainly changed over the past decade with technology. Susan revealed how different it is now to organise such a large scale event with thousands in attendance.
She said: “The biggest difference is online entries, it has made a huge difference. Also having to use social media and our website more than we have in the past but that’s still in its infancy and certainly an area where we can grow in the future. Technology is making things different but it gets the information out to people.”
The long day starts off with the livestock being judged before people can enjoy entertainment throughout the day.
Susan added: “We have 80 dairy cattle, 145 beef cattle, 750 sheep, 64 goats and 354 horses. These numbers are actually much the same as last year. We’re really pleased about that.”
