Show Stopping Year
It's been another record year for Mirfield Show - with up to 12,000 people flocking through the gates during Sunday's event.
Organiser Richard Hartley said Sunday's glorious weather brought the crowds out to this year's event, breaking last year's biggest-ever attendance record of 10,000.
He said the most in the showground at one time was thought to be about 6,000 people - but through ticket sales the committee thought 12,000 had enjoyed the day's festivities, including a parachute jump by the Royal Artillery Parachute Team, who leapt from a plane to land in the grounds.
He said: "I always think that Mirfield Show is about having things that you don't find at every other village show. I can't remember the last time I saw parachutists at a local show.
"The committee goes through a lot of stress and strain on the Sunday but afterwards when everyone is happy and talking about what a good time they've had makes it all worth it. After the show we all sat down and said, 'it's been a good year'."
Mr Hartley said two years ago stalls were still available in June, but this year all the stalls were full by the start of April with a waiting list just as long - and people were still ringing up to check for cancellations on the day of the show.
He said: "We really appreciate the business that comes from further afield, but it's great when you see local businesses coming and having a good day.
"The list of stalls and attractions is so long and I think it's going to be the same next year. I think within three to four months we will be full.
"For a number of years the attendance figures were all quite steady at 4,000 to 5,000, but the committee has grown with new members bringing different ideas.
"We have got some really good members who have been here for years, and the new people that came in earlier this year have brought new life and new ideas. It's great to have more people on board - the more people we have, the more we can do."
And planning for next year's show has already started. Mr Hartley added: "It's a non-stop job - but you wouldn't do it if you didn't love it."
By: Lauren Chadwick
Source: Mirfield Reporter
Date: 26 August 2010
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