Agricultural show

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Judging at an agricultural show

An Agricultural Show is a public event showcasing the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with the occupations of agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest of these comprise a Livestock show (a judged event or display in which breeding stock is exhibited) a trade fair and other competitions and entertainment. The terms agricultural show and livestock show are sometimes used synonymously. In addition, the work and practices of farmers, animal fanciers, cowboys and zoologists may also be on display.

A show is the Commonwealth term for an annual country fair.

[edit] Overview

In Australia the show is an important part of cultural life. Shows range from small events in small country towns lasting most of one day through medium-sized events of two or three days to the all-encompassing Royal Shows in state capitals, which may run for up to two weeks and combine many elements of an amusement park with those of an agricultural show. Although increasingly under pressure in the modern age due to finances and insurance concerns, all main towns have a Show Society and in some areas, several towns and villages in the same area all have an annual show. Larger shows usually include live entertainment and fireworks in the main arena.

A distinctive feature of Australian shows is the showbag, a themed carry bag of goods from a commercial sponsor. Showbags are also known as sample bags, especially among older people, as they contain samples of the range of goods produced by the vendor. Sample bags used to be free or have only a nominal charge to promote the brand awareness, however this is now unusual. Most showbags are marketed to the young, containing lots of lollies (candy) and chocolate, dolls and other toys. Common themes for showbags include confectionery brands, trademarked toys such as Barbie, Garfield, GI JOE and Batman and sports teams. Showbags may also be created and named after current fads.

Cheddar cheese competition at the Mid-Somerset Show

Competitions that are commonly included in shows include:

• Stud and commercial livestock
• Cooking
• Jams and preserves
• Photography
• Wood chopping
• Sheaf tossing
• Show jumping
• Tent pegging
• Wine
• Rodeo
• Arts and crafts
• Horse show
• Dog shows of various types, including sheepdog trials
• cat show

[edit] Field days

A related concept to a show is the field day, which is more like a trade show on machinery, equipment and skills required for broadacre farming. Field days typically do not involve livestock, showbags or sideshows, but may include events such as ploughing competitions not usually associated with shows due to the larger space required.

[edit] List of Royal Shows

Australia:

• Royal Adelaide Show
• Alice Springs Royal Show
• Royal Queensland Show (The Ekka)
• Royal Canberra Show
• Royal Darwin Show
• Royal Hobart Show
• Launceston Royal Show
• Royal Melbourne Show
• Perth Royal Show
• Sydney Royal Easter Show

New Zealand:

• Auckland Royal Easter Show
• Royal New Zealand Show - annual show rotated around five host locations [1]

United Kingdom

• Royal Show - Stoneleigh, Warwickshire
• Royal Highland Show - Ingliston, Edinburgh
• Royal Welsh Show - Builth Wells, Powys
• Royal Bath and West Show - Shepton Mallet, Somerset
• Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show - Wadebridge, Cornwall

[edit] List of other major agricultural and livestock shows

• Argentina
  • La Rural, Buenos Aires

• France
  • Salon international de l'agriculture de Paris (French)

• New Zealand
  • Fieldays, Wellington, New Zealand

• United Kingdom
  • Great Yorkshire Show - Harrogate, North Yorkshire

• United States
  • American Royal - Kansas City, Missouri
  • National Western Stock Show - Denver, Colorado (Largest in the world)
  • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Houston, Texas
  • San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo - San Antonio, Texas
  • Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo - Fort Worth, Texas
  • North American International Livestock Exposition - Louisville, Kentucky