WORK is well underway and plans in place for the 106th Okehampton Show which takes place on Thursday, August 8 at Stoney Park Showground.

This traditional countryside event, where the animals take pride of place, is a very popular attraction and a great opportunity to meet with friends from far and wide. With all day entertainment and approximately 300 trade stands there's plenty for everyone to see and do throughout the day.

The show is becoming widely known as a true agricultural show and everyone involved in putting it together is delighted with that reputation.

There are excellent mobile catering units using local produce and the Devon Food Hall, sponsored by Devon Renovations, has 29 exhibitors who offer a wide range of inspired and delicious products ranging from chillies to fish cakes and, of course, to our own Devon cider!

The entertainment ring provides an all day entertainment programme from approximately 10am with a wide range of entertainment from the local area. There will be displays by the North Devon Gundog Club, the locally based Rexon Stud Performing Ponies and Pooches (as seen recently on television), the Andrei Burton Events Team with their dare-devil stunts and demos on mountain bikes.

The main ring hosts a range of horse classes including the elegant side saddle and carriage driving classes and heavy horses. Victor Pitts will be entertaining us with a skilful display of traditional sheepdogs at work. The Young Farmers will be providing entertainment in the form of chariot racing! The popular tug of war competition will take place at the end of the day and there is free entry to the showground after 5.30pm. There's a great fun family dog show which can be entered on the day and terrier and ferret racing as well.

Children have a special programme run by OCRA (Okehampton Community Recreation Association) featuring sports, art activities and family races. There are also two large inflatable playgrounds and magic shows to be amazed by! The youngsters can also meet the hounds from four different hunts in the main ring.

The shearing competition has been hugely popular since its introduction a few years ago and this year the show is part of the Devon Shearing Circuit Competition which culminates with the final being held at Widecombe Fair.

The agricultural machinery section gets bigger each year and youngsters really enjoy getting close to these large machines and finding out how they work and their job on the farm. The vintage vehicle section and parade is a fascinating step back in time and will bring back fond memories for some!

For those interested in keeping smaller animals there are poultry and rabbit shows held in marquees. Friendly expert tuition will be offered and it may encourage you to exhibit next year. The craft hall has a marvellous display of workmanship and it is quite impossible to leave there without at least one purchase. The open/WI section had record entries last year and it is always fascinating to see the wonderful creations in floral art and the delicious cookery entries.

Haldon Group of Young Farmers' Clubs will be holding their annual rally at show again this year. This features classes where members of the five clubs can compete and enter to win prizes in various sections such as cookery, handicrafts, produce and photography. The show is pleased also to host the Okehampton Branch of the Devon Beekeepers' Association's annual honey show in the bee marquee. This is a popular place to visit and offers an educational and interesting insight into the world of bees and honey.

Last year the show was delighted with the record level of livestock entries. The number of cattle and sheep at the show is one of the largest for a one day agricultural show in the area and it is something it is very proud off. Visitors can expect to see a wide array of breeds of not only cattle and sheep but pigs, pygmy goats, dairy goats and llamas.

The grand parade displays the exceptional quality of animals exhibited at the show and with show jumping and plenty of shopping opportunities at more than 300 trade stands we promise you a day to remember.

n Advance discounted tickets are on sale online and available locally from Donald's Menswear, Okeford Veterinary Centre and Mole Avon (all in Okehampton) or the Tourist Information Centre in Tavistock. £10 per adult (£12 on showday), £4 child 5-14, under 5s free, family ticket (two adults, two children £24).

n Parking in the public car parks is free, but for Membership packages with reserved parking or disabled parking around the main ring please contact the office. There will be a free bus service from Okehampton Town Centre to the Showground.

It's amazing what's on your doorstep — come along, we promise you a great family day out!

n For more details call the show secretary on 01363 866161 or visit http://www.okehamptonshow.co.uk">www.okehamptonshow.co.uk or email her on [email protected]">[email protected]