57th Agriculture show brings big crowds

By Christopher Tobutt

The crowds were already thick by mid morning as thousands streamed into the Lower Valley grounds for the Cayman Islands’ beloved Ash Wednesday Agricultural Show. The big marquee was the first stop for many, bursting with colour and the unmistakable scent of fresh local produce. Stallholders had laid out a vibrant spread of what Cayman grows best this time of year: starfruit, star apples, bananas, plantains, guineps, papayas, cassava, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, callaloo, okra, tomatoes, Scotch bonnet peppers, seasoning peppers, limes, sour oranges, breadfruit, and bundles of fresh herbs.

Each district brought its own flair. The Bodden Town display drew immediate attention with its traditional wooden frame shaped like the three Cayman Islands — Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman — filled entirely with brilliant orange, green, and red hot peppers. North Side showcased produce from Willie’s Farm, neatly arranged and proudly labelled. Over at the West Bay Heritage Committee booth, Ezetha Mae “Miss Zeta” Bodden, MBE, stood proudly among a display that blended fruits, vegetables, old time photographs, and treasured artifacts. She explained how hard her team had worked to bring the exhibit together — a labour of love that reflects her decades long commitment to preserving Cayman’s cultural memory. East End and George Town were equally strong, each adding their own flavour to the friendly district rivalry.

Past the district booths, the First, Second, and Third Prize tables drew a steady crowd. Rosettes fluttered from the biggest, glossiest, most perfectly shaped fruits and vegetables Cayman’s farmers had coaxed from the soil. Among the exhibitors was Mr Thompson, of the well known hardware store. When asked if he was judging, he laughed and said, “No, I’m exhibiting today.” The shelf in front of him was a small wonderland of unusual produce — calabashes (“a kind of huge nut,” he explained, once used for storing fishing line), marrows, starfruit, star apples, and a set of large, ovoid fruits he proudly identified as mamey fruits. He had grown them in his back garden. Gesturing to his display, he said with a smile, “They’re a bit like your children.”

The cultural programme added its own magic. Traditional quadrille dancers, dressed in bright Caymanian deep reds an blues stepped and twirled to the delight of the crowd.

In the arts and crafts section, Cayman’s celebrated artist Al Ebanks served as one of the judges. He spoke about looking not only for solid technique but also for originality — something that makes a piece stand out. Just a few steps away, the air vibrated with rhythm as master drummer Randy Chollette recreated African drum patterns. Children gathered eagerly around the circle of drums, and soon Al Ebanks himself joined in, building rich polyrhythms that echoed through the covered area.

Outside, families wandered among the livestock pens. Cows and calves, pigs, goats (especially the irresistibly cute kids), and fancy chickens with feathery feet kept the little ones enthralled. Parents reminded their children to be gentle — and to beware of protective mother goats, who were keeping a close eye on curious hands.

The day’s official opening brought together a strong lineup of dignitaries, including Minister of Agriculture Hon. Jay Johanny “Jay” Ebanks, Premier Hon. Andre Ebanks, Deputy Premier Hon. Gary Rutty, and Her Excellency the Governor, Jane Owen. The theme running through their remarks was unmistakable: Cayman must strengthen its food security. With the islands importing more than 80 percent of what they eat, the Minister emphasised the need to expand local production, support farmers, and build resilience. The message resonated strongly with the displays surrounding the crowd — living proof of what Cayman’s soil can produce.

Even for longtime attendees, the show retained its familiar warmth: friendly backyard farmers eager to share tips, children, seeing, hearing and tasting the fruit of Cayman’s soil, and the sense that — for one day — the entire country gathers in one place to celebrate the land that sustains it.