“It’s an Old English Game hen,” explains 12-year-old Nicholas Lopes as he shows off one of the three chickens he entered into the Annual Exhibition which starts today.

The Mount Saint Agnes Academy (MSA) pupil has been involved in the fair since he was four, winning multiple first-place prizes with entries ranging from wood-work to farm animals.

“I like the Exhibition because it has nice exhibits and I can see what other people do about Bermuda, which allows me to learn more,” said Nicholas.

“Also, it’s good to hang out with friends and meet people you have never met before, as well as the learning experience I get from being exposed to different animals.

“Whenever I show up at the Exhibition, all of my friends say ‘lets go look at Nicholas’ chickens’ and they think it’s kind of cool, especially last year when I entered my rustic furniture, they really like it.”

Nicholas has also taken an interest in gardening after watching his grandmother grow plants and produce when he was younger.

“My grandmother is a very good gardener and she loves to garden at her house. It was passed onto me because of her passion for it,” he added.

Beans, corn, cantaloupe, watermelon and carrots can be found growing in his own garden at his home.

When asked of his future ambitions, he explained: “I want be an engineer or architect. I would also like to build a little barn when I get older for chickens, pigeons, and other animals.”

His love for animals and crafts is more about talent than tradition, says dad Ronnie Lopes, owner of the Pet Care store on South Shore Road, Devonshire.

He admitted that Nicholas has been gifted with his hands since birth and is well known by his classmates and friends for his “skilful” craftsmanship.

Having entered poultry in the event himself since he was young, Mr. Lopes said it was hard for his son not to follow his footsteps, after watching him build his own projects through the years.

He said: “I’m very proud of him, I’ve been teaching Nick since he was born.

“I’m also proud of the fact that it’s a willingness on his part to want to do it and a willingness to take care of animals.

“Last week, his buddy and him completely redesigned the interior of my chicken house at my store by painting it, even installing a bathroom for the chickens. Their cages are like kitchen cabinets.”

It is the 69th Exhibition, at the Botanical Gardens in Devonshire from 9a.m. to 6p.m.

Premier Ewart Brown will officially open it and award prizes. It is expected to attract more than 25,000 people - depending on the weather, said Exhibition Planner Georgette Caines.

Not only will there be environmental and educational displays, there will be food stalls and the world-renowned Jessie White Tumbling Team, will thrill audiences with its acrobatic performances.

Students, agricultural groups, talented people old and young will take part in the activities, with the pigs expected to draw the most attention as was last year. It is a presentation of the Ministry of the Environment, Telecommunications and E-Commerce.

Pedestrian entrances are located on South Shore Road, Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road. Entrances for vehicles are located on South Shore Road and Berry Hill Road.

For more information on this year’s show, log onto www.agshowbda.com.