Bermuda will get back to its roots next week when the lush grounds of the Botanical Gardens in Paget transform into a grand country fair.

The 62nd Agricultural Exhibition kicks off next Thursday and it is expected that thousands of spectators will flock to Botanical Gardens to revel in all of the sights and sounds the cherished annual event has to offer.

"The Agricultural Exhibition is probably the largest single community event on the Island,'' said Agriculture and Fisheries director John Barnes. "It is hard to keep track of the number of people that attend each year because children under the age of five are admitted free and we sell three-day passes which often gets shared among several people.

"But I estimate that we have over 20,000 people attend. Some people visit the exhibition every day, since the only way you can see everything the exhibition has to offer is to make several visits.'' In addition to the traditional pageantry of the Bermuda Regiment, the colourful show jumping competition and the adorable animals, this year the beloved annual event will feature several unique attractions like performing dogs.

"The Canadian Super Dogs are pretty special,'' Mr. Barnes explained. "They are not show dogs, but are people's pets.

"In all 25 dogs and 19 handlers are coming down, in fact one of the dogs has made it into the Guinness book of World Records. They have performed all over Canada.'' And Mr. Barnes said that dog lovers will want to take full advantage of the paw-tograph session with the Canadian Super Dogs.

"We will have a session where the public can meet the dogs and get a stamp of their paws,'' he explained. "It is also an opportunity to talk to the owners about how they trained the dogs without cruelty and pick up some tips.

"We are really pleased to promote anything that helps to prevent cruelty to animals.'' Those with a "green thumb'' will want to check out the trade tent that will showcase what's new in gardening and horticulture.

"People will get plenty of ideas and get advice on what they can do with their gardens,'' he said.

Little ones will get plenty of hands-on experience with animals thanks to the ever-popular petting zoo which will return once again to the fair grounds.

"This is always popular,'' Mr. Barnes said. "The little kids really love it and get a kick out of petting animals like goats.'' To raise awareness about Bermuda's farming industry, Mr. Barnes said there will be a special demonstration this year.

"We will have demonstrations of farm equipment like tractors,'' he explained.

"Few people realise that there is quite a collection of farm equipment on the Island.'' The Agricultural Exhibition will take place April 22, 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission for each day of the event will be $5 for adults, $2 for seniors and those under the age of 16. Children under the age of five will be admitted for free.

For more information contact the Exhibition Office at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at 236-4201.

Here is a map of Botanical Gardens depicting the layout for the 62nd Agricultural Exhibition: 1a. Exhibition Office; 1b. Lab Display; 2. Horticultural Hall: Wood craft, adult flower arrangements; 3. Education Building: Educational displays, terrariums, aquariums; 4. J.J. Outerbridge Building: Cut flowers, model gardens, children's pot pants, children's flower arrangements; adult flower arrangements, hibiscus/daylilies/passion flowers, African violets; 5a. Commercial Slat House: Adult pot plants, orchids; 5b. Commercial Slat House: Vegetables and fruit, fruit and vegetable critters; 6. Entertainment ring; 7. Jack King Building: Poultry, rabbits, pigeons, cavies; 8. Petting Zoo; 9. Pigs, goats and sheep; 10. Horse stables and cattle stalls; 11. Arrowroot Factory: Food products, kites, roses; 12. Camden House; 13. Visitor Centre; 14. Commercial Displays; 15. Agricultural Exhibition School Gardens; 16. Story Telling; A. Entrance/exit for department vehicles and equestrians; B. South East Temporary Gate -- exit only; C. South Gate -- entrance only from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., exit after 5 p.m.; D. North Gate -- entrance only for all cycles, catering trucks and cars; and E. West Gate -- pedestrian only.