Countdown is on

Final preparations are now being made for the 2010 show which will be held in Lurgan Public Park next Saturday, June 5, and faithfully supported by major sponsor Tesco, along with numerous other sponsors and businesses to which the show committee are truly grateful. Entries closed on Saturday, May 22.

The packed programme, on this the 98th annual show, will cover the full range of livestock and equestrian classes, poultry classes, sheep classes, all along with the other popular sections: Home Industries and Schools Exhibits, Pet Show, Trade and Craft stands, Northern Ireland Stick Carvers, Young Farmers’ Club activities and Vintage Vehicles.

Lurgan show public relations officer John Harrison said: “Once again we have a very enthusiastic show committee working hard to ensure a successful 2010 show.

"In addition to the usual livestock and equestrian classes, there will be a variety of exciting and entertaining activities which will include a barn thrashing display, rural crafts, Mid-Ulster amateur radio club, boat rides on the park lake, the mayor’s parade at 12.30pm and a pet farm."

Also to coincide with Lurgan’s 400th anniversary, a display of traditional spinning is also expected to be on display by the Ulster Spinners and Weavers Guild.’

"Lurgan show presents a diverse range of activities with there really being something for everyone,’’ said John

Lurgan's Show 2010 will see the continuation of a number of qualifiers in the Horse, Cattle and Sheep sections and the show is most happy to be hosting the same.

The Equestrian section accommodates for donkey classes, Horse and Pony classes, carriage driving and show jumping classes with a number of qualifiers in each category.

Turning to the Cattle section, a wide range of judges have been appointed and with over 70 classes, exhibitors should be spoilt for choice.

With the number of sheep exhibitors ever increasing, the 2010 show is expected to again reach new levels with exhibits.

Goat classes at Lurgan Show have shown a gradual rise in the number of exhibits over this past few years and again like the sheep section, this area continues to grow. Both pedigree and non-pedigree goats can be exhibited with some 12 classes.

The ever successful Poultry section boasts over 100 classes for large and bantam fowl breeds and classes for the domestic duck breeds.

In addition, the youth are not forgotten as there are special classes for junior exhibitors.

Owners of vintage, modified, customised or American vehicles are invited to enter their vehicle in the vintage vehicle display. All exhibitors will receive entry to the show with a finishers award also being provided. Entry fee is only 5 per vehicle. Vehicles can still be entered for this section.

A new location on the hill adjacent to the Fountain is set to help the expanding vintage vehicle section.

Entry forms for the vintage section can be downloaded from: www.blearyruralcommunity.com. For further details contact the show secretary: Michele Doran on: 07732 172 214.

Full details of the show programme of activities to follow in next week’s paper.