PREPARATIONS are well in hand for this year?s Okehampton show ? the 99th event in the event?s history ? which takes place on August 12.
And this year, there is an innovation for anyone wishing to go to the show, which promises to be a great event for all the family.
For the first time, tickets will be on sale in four outlets in Okehampton, including the Okehampton Times office, starting today (Thursday).
These advance tickets will cost £5 each, as opposed to £6 on the day ? other outlets are Donald?s, Kivells Vick and Partners and Mole Avon.
Each of the four outlets will have 250 tickets available on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of four tickets per person being permitted.
Gilly Oliver, Okehampton Show secretary, said: ?Following on from the tremendous success of last year?s show, there will be a great deal to see and do this year.
?Trade bookings are very strong, with many new exhibitors coming to the show. The craft marquee was fully booked two months ago and now has a waiting list.
?The open/WI section had bumper entries last year and looks to be on course for a repeat in 2004.?
Gilly said entertainment at the show will be provided by a wide variety of demonstrators, including the Radford heavy horse display team, the SW Axe men team, the sheep shearing competition, dog agility, terrier racing, diggerland and the music marquee, plus lots more.
Two new livestock sections have been added to the programme this year, for Channel Islands cattle and any other dairy breed.
?Exhibitors are returning to showing in great numbers, and good entries are anticipated for all classes,? said Gilly.
?The introduction of a members? marquee was a great success and this year lunches will be available as well as tea and coffee, cream teas and a bar. The grandstand will also be for the use of members.?
Two different types of member?s tickets are available. There are 50 ringside parking tickets, costing £35 and providing entry for one member and three guests. Tickets must be bought before show day and cars should be on the showground by 10am.
There will also be 100 members? tickets available, costing £15, to admit one member and one guest. Parking for these tickets will be in the main car park above the showground ? if all these tickets are not sold in advance, they will be available on show day.
There will also be 20 disabled parking spaces available around the main show ring, at which cars should be parked by 10am. Spaces should be booked with Gilly in advance.
A second disabled parking area will be available in the main car park, close to the entrance, which does not require booking.
To book members? tickets or disabled parking, call Gilly Oliver on 01837 861322.