ORGANISERS are hoping for good weather in the run up to Peebles Show next weekend.
New free parking has been organised for the event in Hay Lodge Park, one of the largest one-day shows in Scotland.
Secretary Jacqui Campbell said: “We look forward to bumper crowds.”
About 1,000 cattle and sheep and 400 horses are expected along with a busy poultry tent in the showground next Saturday.
Previous competitors in the show’s horse classes have included local show jumper Scott Brash, aiming to beat the world’s best at the Olympics in London this month.
Ms Campbell commented: “In recent years, sheep prize winners at the show have gone on to be sold for five-figure sums in the October sales and exhibitors travel from all over Scotland and the north of England to pit their favourites against some of the very best in the business.”
Main ring entertainment includes a display by the Inch Perfect Trials team, pushing trail bikes to their limits. Lauderdale Hunt will entertain, showing their pack and offering children the chance to meet the hounds. And there will be the a vintage tractor pull too when local organisations will compete to see which is the strongest.
“We hope the crowds will get behind their personal favourites and encourage them all the way,” said Ms Campbell.
The local 7Stanes mountain bikers will stage their displays, the popular education tent will feature arable crops this year and have as usual hands-on activities for children. There also be a dairy cow and former Howgate cheesemaker Rosemary Marwick will talk about and demonstrate cheesemaking. There will also be Scottish cheeses on display, cheese recipes and cheese-making tools on display.
Ms Campbell said: “The SWRI competitions will, as ever, be hard fought and, for those who like a little retail, the craft tent has been booked solid, with a waiting list, since April. Whether your shopping choices run to tractors, compost, books, jewellery or even original artwork, the trade stands are as wide-ranging as we can remember.”
Ms Campbell went on: “You don’t even have to leave the family pet at home as man’s best friend can compete in the dog show at 11am with classes including the waggiest tail and most beautiful eyes as well as more traditional showing classes and children’s classes.
“We would love to see as wide a variety of pets as possible in the children’s pet competition (3pm) to give the judge a real challenge!”
The pet and dog shows can be entered on the day at the dog ring and there will be more than 70 trade stands.
Entry to the showfield is £8 for adults, £4 for children with a £20 family ticket (two adults, two children)