THE Ardara Show Committee is encouraging exhibitors to get their entries in as preparations gather pace for what promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting years in the show’s history.
With entries now officially open and the closing date set for Saturday, July 25, this year’s programme features a record €20,000+ prize fund, exciting new competitions and an innovative new format designed to give even more people the opportunity to take part.
The traditional Ardara Show will take place on Saturday, August 8, featuring Cattle, Sheep, Poultry, the Giant Marquee, Fun Dog Show and a packed programme of family entertainment.
However, the celebrations won’t end there.
For the first time, Ardara Show will be followed by the Ardara Summer Show – Horse and Heritage Day on Saturday, August 15, organised in association with the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club.
With Ardara’s sheep section growing in popularity year after year, many exhibitors who also show horses and ponies have found themselves having to make an impossible choice between competing in one section or the other. This year, they won’t have to.
By introducing a second dedicated show day, exhibitors can now enjoy the best of both worlds, giving them the opportunity to showcase both their livestock and their horses without compromise.
The new format also allows each section the space and attention it deserves, creating two fantastic celebrations of rural life in Ardara.
The committee is especially proud to introduce the new Under 18 Sheep Section, which will make its debut on Saturday, August 15. Designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of young farmers and sheep handlers, the new competition gives young people their own platform to showcase their stockmanship, build confidence and develop a lifelong passion for agriculture.
The expansion of the show simply would not have been possible without the fantastic support of the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club, whose enthusiasm for preserving our rural heritage has helped create a truly unique Horse and Heritage Day.
Visitors can look forward to horse and pony classes, the new Under 18 Sheep Section, vintage machinery, classic displays and demonstrations celebrating the traditions that have shaped rural Donegal for generations.
Daniel Moy, Secretary of the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club, said the club is thrilled to be part of the new venture.
“Everyone in the Mid West Donegal Vintage Club is delighted to partner with the Ardara Show Committee for this exciting new event. We’re looking forward to showcasing some wonderful vintage exhibits and helping create a day that celebrates not only our farming traditions but also the strong sense of community that makes events like this so special. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to what promises to be a brilliant family day out.”
Entry forms and the full show schedule are available now at www.ardarashow.com, and the committee is reminding competitors that entries close on Saturday, July 25, with no late entries accepted.
With more than 120 years of history, Ardara Show continues to celebrate the very best of farming, heritage and community while embracing new ideas that will ensure the show continues to grow for generations to come.
Key Dates
Entries Close: Saturday, July 25
Ardara Show: Saturday, August 8
Ardara Summer Show, Horse and Heritage Day: Saturday, August 15
Enter Online: www.ardarashow.com