STOUGHTON - The Stoughton Drop-In Centre became a busy place on Aug. 10 for the Stoughton Agricultural Society’s horticultural show.
This event has been happening for decades and is still going strong. The downpours of rain did not stop eager contestants from racing to the centre's doors.
Treasurer Inga Hill said it is a way for people to showcase what they grow and bring the community of gardeners together.
To participate is simple. It is a small membership fee and then a person can enter as many times as they want.
The items shown must be grown in the person's garden, whether it be vegetables, fruits or flowers.
There are eight classes to pick from and each class has 30 places to enter.
Vegetables are judged on their texture, colour, feel and consistency of size when there are several on the plate. They need to look appealing.
Flowers need to be clean and crisp. No dead foliage and if it is an arrangement, neatly organized.
Preserves must come in a clean, sealed jar that has been unopened. This too will be judged on texture, colour and the flavour of the preserves. In this class many pickles, relishes, fruits and jams were present.
According to Hill, the younger generation is really beginning to show interest, which is great.
Kids are also taking part in the show. They have their own classes to make an impression on the judge.
Over 100 entries were received from 10-11 a.m., with judging following shortly after.
From 3-5 p.m. a coffee and tea social were held. Anyone could come and look at the displays and enjoy an array of homemade squares.
Hill said the growing season was off this year. Normally the month of June is wet and cooler, but this year it was hot and dry. This changed things immensely.
This caused less produce to be displayed as the season had already passed and some crops were just coming into season.
Raffle tickets were sold on three prizes. The lucky winners were Lorraine Cameron winning the Moose Jaw Spa package, Gladys Rolufs won the Herr Kutz perm, and Mindy's Pizza went to Glen Richardson.
A table had silent auction items for bidding.
Hill feels it was a good turnout, despite the rainy weather, which was needed.
They are thankful to all the sponsors and donors that contributed to this event and helped make it successful.
