More than 20,000 people expected to attend Iverk Show that is celebrating its 199th year

More than 20,000 people are expected to flock to the South East’s biggest annual showcase of rural life – the Iverk Show - at Piltown near Carrick-on-Suir this Saturday, August 23.

The agricultural show, celebrating its 199th year, boasts a price fund of more than €100,000 and will feature several All-Ireland livestock and equine show finals and hundreds of competitions.

READ ALSO: Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society to host launch event for its annual panto

Macra na Feirme President Josephine O’Neill will officially open the Show, which is one of the region’s last big summer social occasions before the schools re-open next week.

Many of the South East’s leading producers of cattle, sheep, horses, ponies and poultry as well as the best growers of fruit, vegetables and flowers will be entering their best livestock, equine stock and produce in the event at the 60 acres showgrounds in Piltown.

There are also very competitive show jumping, home baking, honey, jams, arts and crafts competition sections and the organisers report there will be close to 400 trade stands.

Displays of vintage cars and machinery, thrilling tug-of-war contests, musical entertainment and a large free children’s play area and free petting zoo are among the other attractions.

As it’s the 199th year of the event, there will be a special heritage stand displaying Iverk Show memorabilia.

Iverk Show PRO Robert Duggan said there will be an enhanced dancing area in front of the gig stage to encourage social dancing.

The Melody Makers, River Orchard Ukulele Group, Sliabh gCue Ramblers and country music singer Aishling Rafferty are among the artists lined up to perform.

There will also be the Iverk Show Fashion Show where the top fashions from local boutiques will be showcased.

The catwalk will not be the only place fashionable clothes will be on display. Walking around the show grounds will be the entrants in the Most Appropriately Dressed Lady contest trying to catch the judges eyes.

The Iverk Show also has a Bonny Baby competition in three categories: 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, and 13 to 18 months.

There will be a prize for every baby entered in the contest.

Mr Duggan said the Show’s famous Cherry Cake baking competition will be just as keenly contested as previous years.

“It's very competitive. We get two full tables of cakes and the bakers use all kinds of family recipe secrets to get results,” he said.

Iverk Show gates open at 9am on Saturday. Tickets cost €15 for adults, €10 for students with a student identity card and children under 10-years-old are free of charge. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Free parking will be available adjacent to the showgrounds and there will be a special area for disabled parking.

People attending the event are requested to obey the directions of gardaí and stewards on duty around the showgrounds.
For more information check out: www.iverkshow.ie

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Gardaí arrest teenage youth in connection with murder of man in county Tipperary