The 76th Agricultural Exhibition is set to open its doors this Thursday with displays, competitions and international performers.

Exhibition Planner Georgette Caines said that this year’s event, which carries the theme “Growing for the Next Generation,” will feature international trampolinists, The French Connection.

“It unfolds on an Olympic-size trampoline that allows the performers to present a very dynamic and entertaining show — demonstrating manoeuvres with heights up to seven metres,” she said.

“Livestock, vegetables, fruits, floriculture, homemade food products, wood crafts and educational categories are brimming with entries this year. Cow milking, equestrian events, poultry judging, home baked goods — everything you would expect from the Ag Show.”

The event will also include a part of the “Bermuda leg” of the Queen’s Baton relay, which leads into the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year.

The baton is set to visit 70 nations as part of its 288-day journey through Commonwealth nations. It will be handed off in the Main Ring at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday afternoon.

Also on Saturday, young people from the Island’s various football clubs will compete in the Kappa Classic.

And as always, the event will boast a host of food and drink vendors for spectators.

“Thursday is typically the most popular day with seniors, pre-schoolers and anyone else who wants to see the items on display at their peak of freshness in attendance,” said Ms Caines.

“Friday has been dubbed, ‘No school day’ and the students look forward to it each year. Hundreds of students take full advantage of the holiday to see if they’ve won a coveted rosette or a highly commended sticker.

“And Saturday is generally a family day. Many come out to enjoy the day and the beautiful setting.”

Minister of Public Works Patricia Gordon-Pamplin thanked the hundreds of volunteers and participants taking part in this year’s event, saying: “The Exhibition showcases the best Bermuda has to offer both agriculturally and culturally to locals and tourists alike.”

The first agricultural exhibition was held in the 1840s, organised by Governor William Reid as a means of encouraging and promoting local farmers. The concept has been revisited sporadically since then — with breaks for both World Wars — only becoming an annual event in the 1970s.

Tickets are available at the Exhibition on the day. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 16 years of age, $5 for seniors and free for children under five years of age. The grounds are open daily from 8am to 6pm and exhibition houses are open from 9am to 6pm.