Hague, Trelawny – Organisers of the annual Hague Agricultural and Livestock Show are hoping to attract more than 12,000 patrons at the 49th staging of the event which will cost $1.7 million to put on.

The two-day event, scheduled for February 24 and 25, is being held this year under the theme “The power of 49”.

Speaking at their first-ever press launch this week, the event chairman, Desmond Leaky, said education would be the main focus of this year’s show.

“We are putting in more educational things into the show this year. The quantity of the exhibits might not be there, but the quality will be there,” said Leaky, who was speaking at Sandals Montego Bay. “We will be having the Scientific Research Council to deal with things like improvements in technology. The irrigation people will be coming in. We will show how plants can grow…” he added.

The event, which is geared towards public awareness of the importance of sustainable development in farming, will also feature:

. a youth farmers’ competition;

. the crowning of the Trelawny Farm Queen;

. livestock and horticultural displays; and

. the naming of the parish’s champion farmer.

The popular group, Fab 5 Inc, will headline the entertainment segment on the second day, which will also feature performances by Ce’Cile, Captain Barkey and Wickerman, as well as Apache.

Meanwhile, Leaky disclosed that the organisers had forged an alliance with River Raft Ltd, operators of Rafting on the Martha Brae, to provide rafting on the Martha Brae River at a reduced rate. Plans are also afoot to provide a guided tour of the historic town of Falmouth to the hundreds of students expected to attend the event.