Bloemfontein Show’s Diverse Offerings Attract Record Number
The New Age
Getrude Makhafola
The Bloemfontein Show drew to a close on Sunday, attracting more visitors compared with last year.
The show ended with a concert featuring jazz great Hugh Masekela and artists like Khaya. Chief executive Elmarie Prinsloo said on Sunday at least 20000 people attended the last day of the show.
“The show went well; we saw a large increase in numbers compared with last year. Our exhibitors and partners were also satisfied with the responses they received from visitors.”
“We also had a lot of people visiting from other Free State towns and other provinces, especially for the jazz show featuring Hugh Masekela,” she said.
The 73-year-old trumpeter kept his audience asking for more as he performed his hits such as Thanayi and Chileshe. Young and old visited the amusement park during the week-long show.
A variety of artists such as Brandon October, Arno Jordaan, Quinton Prinsloo, Karlien van Jaarsveld, Romanz, Dr Victor, The Rasta Rebels, Lianie May and Jay also performed at the show since its opening on April 26.
The national sheep shearing and horse saddling championship and beauty pageants were also held. More than 400 exhibitors took part.
Prinsloo said the discount on entrance tickets last Wednesday helped to boost the number of visitors. “Most visitors made their way to the show at the long weekend,” said Prinsloo.
“This year we focused on children and added more thrills in the amusement park. “We also expanded the educational tours for children, especially pupils,” said Prinsloo.
More than 74000 visitors had passed through the gates by last Wednesday.
