adminMidlands Bureau Chief
THE Midlands Show Society has extended the duration of the annual event by a day owing to an expanded programme and increase in the number of exhibitors, the show manager, Mrs Victoria Chikukwa, has said.In an interview recently, she said the agricultural show will run from Thursday 25 July and end on Sunday 28 July.
Traditionally, the event used to start on Friday ending on Sunday.
Mrs Chikukwa said preparations for the annual showcase were going on well as 85 percent of space had already been taken.
“Our preparations for the show are going on well. Already, 85 percent of our anticipated exhibitors have confirmed their bookings. We are expecting more from this year’s event, hence our decision to increase the number of days of hosting the show.
We have a more detailed programme this year. There are also many companies and individuals who are showing interest in participating in the show. We have since opened new stands because of the overwhelming responses,” she said.
This year’s four-day event will be held under the theme, Promoting Economic and Sustainable Development. Unki Mines general manager Mr Walter Nemasase will be the guest of honour.
Mrs Chikukwa said judging will be held on 25 July while on 26 July, the show will host a Business Opportunities in the Midlands Conference.
“Various economic players and industrialists will attend this indaba which seeks to unpack the business opportunities that exist in the Midlands.
This is a must-attend event for serious business people, especially all those seeking a viable market for the expansion of their businesses,” she said.
She said the Midlands Show was getting better with each passing year.
Mrs Chikukwa said the 2013 edition of the show attracted many new exhibitors from places such as Harare, Bulawayo and Gweru, among other places.
“As already pointed out, the response has been overwhelming this year.
We have our traditional exhibitors coming on top of new companies. Our deadline for accepting bookings is 10 July. We expect to have sold all the available space by then but we will extend, if the space is still available,” she said.
The Midlands Show manager said visitors to the 2013 show should expect more thrills at this year’s event.
She said besides the usual entertainment dish of police displays, jumping castles, horse riding and prisoners’ musical group, the show organizing team will be bringing in Jah Prayzer.
“Jah Prayzer’s coming is already confirmed. He will perform on Sunday, closing down the show. We are also working on bringing Sulumani Chimbetu. If we succeed, Sulu will perform on Friday. There is a host of entertainment. We have the popular Hondaman and his motor bike, the Luna Park, quad bikes and horse riding.
“We are going to have fireworks twice this year, on Friday and Saturday. People should come in their numbers. It will be business mixed with fun all the way,” said Mrs Chikukwa.
Online Reporter