Entries to the Black Isle Show annual flower show are blooming this year, but we are encouraging even more horticulturists both experienced and novices to get involved.
The 180th Black Isle Show takes place on August 2 and 3 and the very popular Annual Open Flower Show which also includes a craft section is back with almost 100 different competition categories.
Challenge
One of this year’s challenges is for entrants in the craft category to make a fisherman’s neck warmer and hat and a suggested pattern has been provided with all items being donated to the Invergordon Seafarers’ Centre.
Fiona MacKintosh who has organised the Annual Open Flower Show for the last 14 years said: “Every year the flower show is hugely popular and we are always delighted with the number of entries. It really is an integral part of the Black Isle Show and we always have over 500 exhibits on the day. It is a sight to behold. “We started a craft category nine years ago where entrants are asked to make an item which can then be donated to a specific cause. In the past we have done SCBU at Raigmore Hospital and the Freedom From Fistula Foundation, but this year we have chosen the Invergordon Seafarers’ Centre. It’s fun to get people trying to make new things.”
A spokesman for the Invergordon Seafarers’ Centre said: “Last year we welcomed 5,000 seafarers from around the world to our Seafarers Centre in Invergordon. The hats and neck warmers will be given out both in our Centre and on board ships that we visit berthed in the Cromarty Firth.”
New junior section
Also new to this year’s show is a new junior craft section which has been included following feedback from competitors last year as Fiona explained: “We had feedback last year that there wasn’t a specific craft category for young people, so this year we have created one. Entrants in this need to be aged between 12 and 16 years old and there are two classes. They can make a miniature terrarium and there is also the option to make a card to celebrate the 180th Black Isle Show.
Other categories for the flower show include Floral Art; Cut Flowers; Soft Fruit; Vegetables and Pot Plants. There is also a photography section with a Junior Class (16 years and under), and adult for over 16 years.
All the fun of the fair
The Black Isle Show will take place at the Mannsfield Showground in Muir of Ord and as well as the flower show will also feature the usual firm favourites such as the livestock parade, more than 300 traders and stallholders, the craft and food hall, funfair and speciality bars and beer tents.
Making a comeback this year will be the dancing sheep and for the first time, the crowds will be wowed by the Backdraft Fire Engine which will be pirouetting, showing off its wheelies and blowing flames three meters into the sky.
Schedules for the Flower Show are now available on the Black Isle Show Website – and for further information contact Fiona MacKintosh at fionatosh@btinternet.com or by phoning 01349 861663.
There is no set closing date for entries which can be made up until 1.45pm on Wednesday 2nd August, however if you can pre-enter this speeds up the staging process on the day.
Rod who has been involved with the show for twelve years added: “We have also decided that at our preview event on August 2 we will stage a tractor pulling contest as part of the ring entertainment.