Since those days the South Show has largely moved indoors, with ‘tented’ exhibits displayed in the St Martin’s Community Centre. But there is still plenty of action outside, with the Guernsey Brass Band, Guernsey Jazz Orchestra, Majorettes, as well as a GSPCA dog show all offering entertainment to the crowds.
Other events in the neighbouring field will include face painting, giant bubbles, willow craft, children’s games and activities, and more than 30 charity craft stalls.
‘It’s such a great community event,’ said South Show stalwart and president John Ogier.
‘Bringing together families old and young for the celebration of our island’s traditions of agriculture and horticulture – as well as the new craft skills category – combined with live music and fun field events for all the family.’
With a flat entrance fee, there is no extra charge for the field activities.
‘It’s great value for money.
‘I don’t know where else is offering that,’ Mr Ogier said.
‘Friday’s the day to come and quietly look at exhibits but if you want fun for the family, Saturday is definitely the day to be there.’
Entries for the various classes were completed last weekend.
Mr Ogier will have plenty of interest when the entries are judged on Friday morning.
He has submitted blueberries, pears, glasshouse melons, cucumbers, and tomatoes among other produce.
‘I think for many, the hot weather has brought the tomatoes on early and, in some cases, allows for large crops,’ he said.
‘But my crops have stalled in the hot weather with it getting up to 40 degrees in my small greenhouse.’
His pride and joy will be an entry for giant onion, where he is quietly confident about vegetables weighing in at more than 1kg.
‘You’ve got to start the year before to get it big enough,’ he said.
‘But I have known some to be even twice 1kg. But I’m sure there’ll be someone who’ll have even heavier onions. It’s all a bit of fun.’
He said the continued dry and hot weather has made this year one of the most challenging for contestants in the horticulture classes.
‘The lack of rain affects the timing. Fruits and crops are coming two to three, sometimes four or even six, weeks earlier than what would be the norm.’
As a result of the shifting weather patterns, Mr Ogier said the show might have to start making accommodations in the categories, as some varieties are increasingly harder to yield and some much easier than previous seasons.
‘Blackcurrants are really challenging because they’re cropping in June now and it’s very difficult to obtain those crops for show time in August.
‘But on the other side of it, with these hot temperatures, we’re seeing a very large crop of figs and people are now able to grow peaches, nectarines, and lemons, which certainly would have been thought of as quite exotic crops.’
Although the horticultural classes may be more challenging this year, Mr Ogier said that he expects the arts and crafts, children’s corner, and culinary delights sections will be strong.
The show will end with a prizegiving ceremony, with the prizes presented for the final time by retiring Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon.
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