It was another successful year for the organisers of the annual Ballymoney Show, North Antrim Agricultural Association, held at the Ballymoney Showgrounds over the weekend (31st May/1st June).
BUT if you were one of those on Friday who dropped into the opening first day, you would have been hard pushed to see past the downpouring of rain which left the site extremely muddy, and difficult to navigate in parts, without a good pair of wellies.
Despite this, as the early evening approached, there was a break in the terrible weather conditions and both the ‘tug-war’ and football got underway, with the cooking competition being held in the comfort of a dry marquee.
As the gates opened on Saturday morning, it was hard to believe that it was the same place. The wellies and top coat of the previous day were replaced with t-shirts and sunglasses, but the wellies stayed on with sandals perhaps pushing it.
Starting out slightly overcast, but warm, the sun soon showed it’s face and the sky cleared. With the blue sky, brought the crowds for day two of the Ballymoney show, saving it from being a two day washout.
Judging got underway for the various categories, animals all shapes & sizes, pampered & pruned, brushed and combed, all competing to be the judges favourite and to claim one of those coveted firsts on offer.
Off course the animals are not the only attractions of the Ballymoney Shows competitions these days, with the popular Home Industries categories of art and crafts, home baking and photography, to name a few.
Competitions also included the best pet, tho Friday may have been best suited to goldfish, kids fancy dress and everyones favourite – the ‘Bonny Baby Competition’.
Family entertainment is alway high on the list at Ballymoney show and the entertainment stage played host to local singers, magic shows and music by the DJ’s of ‘CJ Entertainment’. This along with the animal petting farm and inflatables, gave plenty to keep the young ones amused throughout the day.
Local makers of art & crafts, food items and those promoting their services helped pack out the marquee, drawing the crowds in to watch the demos throughout the two days.
As the days drew to a close on Saturday and the parade got underway, the weather may have been mixed over the two days of the show, but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of the organisers and helpers as they pulled off another successful and enjoyable year of the Ballymoney Show.
