Denbigh Show kicks off today

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

DENBIGH, Clarendon:

THE GROUNDS are in immaculate condition, the organisers are more prepared than last year, and exhibitors are coming in bigger and better with more exhibits as the three-day Denbigh Agricultural Show gets under way this morning.

Glendon Harris, president of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), said patrons are in for a good time at the 59th staging of the event.

"On the education side, it's going to be heavy, and we have the food fair with various cook offs and professional chefs," Harris explained.

Patrons will be able to purchase agricultural produce from the farmers' market throughout the three days, instead of having to wait until the end.

Also welcomed is the president's declaration that maps have been placed around the grounds to help patrons identify the various booths, given that an unprecedented 90,000 patrons are expected to attend and some 200 exhibitors slated to participate. The Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Tobago, are among the overseas contingents confirmed. The cost of hosting the show has also increased exponentially over the years, moving from $6 million in 2003 to $50 million this year.

The event will be held under the theme 'Grow What We Eat and Eat What We Grow' with the subtheme 'Opportunity and Technology-Driven, Denbigh 2011'.