An excellent time was had at Drymen Show this year. Running annually since 1816, give or take the occasional years where rain or, most recently, COVID19 has cancelled play, the Strathendrick Agricultural Society show beside the bridge near Drymen is one of the oldest in the country.
A pleasant walk from Appletree Cottage, either through Croftamie Village or more adventurously along the public footbath across the fields, the show is about half an hour stroll away.
This year, again, the show was hugely popular and for a time traffic was backed up in both directions as visitors tried to enter the showground beside the pretty Endrick Water
As we walked across Drymen bridge, we could see that the carpark for the show was filling up quickly.
The show is very well organised by a group of experienced local families so the traffic was kept moving as well as could be expected.
Held every year on the last Saturday in May, Drymen show is a great day out for all the family.
There are a large number of trade stands with everything from locally distilled gin to clothing. There are craft tents with jewellery, carving, pottery and baking. There are pet tents and school tents. A stage hosts local musicians and a funfair entertains the younger visitors.
The main ring at the show has a catalogue of events running throughout the day. Around it are many pens with sheep and cattle of various breeds being judged. Judging is also taking place in horse trials, dog training as well as for many inanimate objects such as vintage cars, baking and many other items.
One of the favourite activities in the main ring was the pig racing organised by the local Craigievern Farm. There are five heats in each set of races and visitors have the opportunity to bet on their favourite pig with profits going to charity.
Other events in the main ring included parades of heavy horse singles, heavy horse teams, vintage tractors and cars, fancy dress horse and rider competition, childrens races, tug of war and the tractor push competition.
With a good variety of local food outlets as well as a beer tent to feed and water the masses, the Drymen Show makes a fantastic family day out.
