The Iverk Agricultural Show will return to Piltown this Saturday, August 27th for the first time since 2019.
Organisers expect an influx of over 20,000 people to descend upon South Kilkenny in celebration of all that's great about agricultural life.
The prize fund has been significantly increased, with over €100,000 worth of prizes up for grabs across various competitions.
The Iverk Show has been part of life in the South East since 1826.
In the past, only locals attended the event but it is bigger and better than ever this year - as Chairperson Robert Dowley told WLR.
"The show has gotten to the size at this stage where it really is an All-Ireland show. We have exhibitors coming to all of our classes from all over Ireland. That is a big plus for the show."
There are classes for in-hand and riding horses, show jumping, sheep, cattle, poultry, eggs, dogs, fruit, vegetables, flowers, flower arranging, farm produce, arts, crafts, jams, cakes, and honey.
The show will also have classes for adults and children with special sections for primary and secondary school pupils.
The ‘Most Appropriately Dressed Lady’ competition is always well supported and every bonny baby gets a prize. The famous Iverk catwalk is a hive of activity for the fashion show.
A display of vintage cars, tractors and machinery with working demonstrations is one of the highlights.
The 300 to 400 trade stands from large outdoor exhibits to small indoor industries and artisan food stalls represent all section of commercial industries. The food market marquee attracts local and national food producers.
A garden section with a free children’s’ play area is a must visit area for families, while the free musical entertainment plaza is a great place to relax and unwind.
The most exciting competition of the day is the ‘Tug-O-War’ especially when the local children are invited to take part. The craic is mighty.
Mr. Dowley told WLR that this year's competitions promise to provide great entertainment throughout the course of the day.
"We have some major competitions. We have the Maid of Glanbia, Aberdeen Angus Classes with over €41,000 worth of prize money. We have four show jumping areas, seven horse arenas - two dog arenas, one with pedigree dogs and one with your general mutt!".
There also promises to be a rich and vast array of food, much of which is local produce, and there's an element of competition involved for anyone interested there also.
"The whole way - as you walk in the main gate, down the right - you'll start off with the fruit and vegetables and the honeys, and you get into the cakes and jams. We have a great cherry cake competition - with prizes of €600! Anybody out there, into the cherry cake - look our website, look up the recipe! The competition will be open to all."
Parking is free on the day with a special area for disabled parking.
