Gort Show attracts record-breaking entries

2010 is a record-breaking year for the Gort Show with nearly 1,300 entries received for the indoor classes.
Gort Agricultural Show takes place this Sunday, beginning at midday. Held on the town’s Ennis Road, organisers believe it will be the biggest show in its 29-year history.
This year’s show will be officially opened at 1.30pm by Derek O’Connor. Tubber man Derek is the champion point-to-point jockey for the last seven years. He will be accompanied by Miss Galway 2010 Lisa Nolan.
Among the attractions on the day are a steam traction engine, open mic traditional music sessions, a bonny baby competition, face painting and Irish dancing.
“There will be many children’s rides and a mass of entertainment for all the family,” said the show’s organising secretary, Amanda Norton.
“If you want mad fun, then join in the Carry the Wife race and impress your neighbours,” she added.
While there are many outdoor events, the indoor classes have proved particularly popular this year.
“The indoor classes have broken all previous records for the show with an entry of almost 1,300. People from all over Ireland are entering, from Kerry to Tipperary to Roscommon and Sligo, as well as a massive amount from local people. This will make for an incredible display of flowers, baking, vegetables, crafts and photographs,” Amanda stated.
The dog show will be held in two rings this year for the first time, as organisers also expect it to attract record entries. Anyone wishing to enter a dog can do so from noon on show day.
“As well as the indoor classes, there is a very exciting horse show. This year it is being held on the Loughrea Road in Gort for the first time. Horses, ponies and donkeys can be entered on the day from 10am onwards,” she added.
There will be a poultry show, as well as a cat show and a furry critters show, with entries for both being taken on the day.
“If you have an amazing kitty cat, a wonderful rabbit or a sensational hamster, why not enter them and show them off. We already have Rita the rabbit, Charlie the rabbit, Blossom the rabbit and Amber the snake entered and hoping to win,” Amanda outlined.
Trade stand bookings have been brisk and varied, according to organisers, and include a number of stands familiar from local farmers’ markets, as well as more unusual ones selling specialist coffee and Mediterranean sweets and pastries.
There is also an inflatable pink candyfloss stand expected, along with ones from the Kitchen Witch and the Plastic Free Kitchen, among others.
Amanda is confident a varied crowd will attend on Sunday due to the show’s presence on social networking site, Facebook. Since setting up the profile in early June, the show has more than 400 friends.
“I think we have accessed a lot of people who have never been to the show. One child didn’t understand what a class was in terms of the show. She thought it was like a class where you go along and learn things and that what you did in the class is then judged.
“Lots of people just have never been and don’t know what an agricultural show involves. The Facebook page has allowed us to get to people who would never normally hear about the show and it has really gotten people involved.
“We have had messages of support from people all over the world who are originally from Gort and the feedback has all been really, really positive. I think it has also brought an element of teamwork from the whole community, which is great. Lots of people are taking part and helping.
“A good example of the power of it is that I asked for a caravan to use as the show office and within three hours I had one,” she recalled.
Following the success of their first Information and Enterprise Exposition at the Gort Show in 2009, and with the support of Galway County Council, the Gort Family and Community Resource Centre are embarking on the endeavour again this year.
Gort FRC will host the Information and Enterprise Exposition at the Gort Show in an effort to provide ease of access to information on a wide range of services, supports and entitlements.
The second annual Information and Enterprise Exposition will be held in the information and enterprise marquee on the Ennis Road. Information will be available from midday to 5.30pm.
Enquiries about the show can be made to Amanda Norton on 085 2477486 or at secretary@gortshow.com.