Littleton & Harestock Show, 1999

Saturday, 4 September

It was a bright and sunny day for the opening of the Littleton & Harestock Show and the fine weather drew large crowds to support the charity fundraising efforts of this popular local show. The first event was the children's fancy dress parade and the local press was on hand to photograph the winners.
There were lots of stalls selling everything from stuffed toys to fruit and veg. The secondhand book and bric-a-brac stalls encouraged visitors to buy a book they had never heard of or an item they never knew they needed - until now. At these knock-down prices, who could resist?
The craft tent was a popular venue for anyone looking for a gift. Christmas cards were on sale in September but more seasonal items were available too! Watercolour paintings, hand turned wooden bowls, woollen knitwear, buttons, brooches, to name a few.
In the arena, the junior football teams entertained the crowds with their energetic and enthusiastic games... ...as did the New Forest Medlars Morris dancers. They even managed to persuade some of the more active members of the audience to join in.
Around the arena were other interesting exhibits - including vehicles from a bygone era, provided by Hampshire County Museum Services. A colourful barrel organ made some very cheerful sounds. And anyone curious about how it worked could examine the bellows, wheels, belts and cards displayed round the back.
Sparsholt Agricultural College had constructed a car from flowers and were selling plants on their well-presented stall. Gambling was being encouraged on the bottle stall and long queues often built up there.
The main show tent contained the usual displays of very high quality fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers and homemade produce of every kind. Handicrafts, from knitting to photography and art were well represented. With home crafts, such as baking and wine making, also proving to be popular entries.
Ever popular, with children of all ages, were the miniature railway, run by the Winchester Model Railway Society, ... ...and the hot dog stall. So, with temptations like this and a beer tent, it wasn't a day to worry too much about your waistline!
The events of the day drew to a close with the release of balloons and pigeons... ..and, as always, the presentation of the well-deserved cups and trophies. Our thanks to the hardworking organisers for a great day out.

Show reports for other years can be found in the Scrapbook

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