Mpumalanga Show, everything for everyone

MBOMBELA – It might have been the first Mpumalanga Show, but it was also a weekend of second chances for others.
Juandré Volschenk proposed to his girlfriend of 18 months, Lauren Fourie on the show’s main stage. It was his second attempt at a public proposal, after getting cold feet on the Innibos stage earlier this year.

He proposed in a beer tent instead. He got his “yes” but wanted to make a bigger splash of it and on Saturday, convinced Jacaranda breakfast show host and MC, Martin Bester to call Fourie up to the stage under the pretence that she had won a “prize”.
Instead, she was presented with another proposal. Again, she accepted.  The festivities kicked off on Thursday when schoolchildren from across the province were exposed to the various exhibitions.

These included camel rides around the stadium, for those who could brave the heights, career expos and animal stalls where they got to learn about the different types of beasts.

Visitors at this year’s show were spoilt for choice, with many exhibitions to buy from. These included furniture stalls and other locally made and offered goods and services.
Agricultural enthusiasts had the luxury of seeing the best the province had to offer in livestock, as well as the chance to learn about new technologies in irrigation.

The four-day programme was jam-packed with activities for all different enthusiasts, including food tents for the food lovers.  The SPAR tent offered visitors a free taste of the various meats and drinks.

This included wines that could be bought from its liquor store.
The Premier Hotel The Winkler, the wildcard winners in the semi-finals of the Braai Off competition, was crowned the winners in the final on Friday.

The team did not expect to be named Braai Masters, but happily accepted the title.
Helicopter rides gave visitors a view of Mbombela from the air, and 4×4 displays and drives were fun for young and old.

Canines at the family dog show put their best paws forward as well, followed by demonstrations on how to train your pet.
Jason Lee, Ricus Nel and Charlize Berg formed part of the entertainment on Saturday night, while Majozi brought down the house.

Mango Groove left the audience wanting more after performing its classics.  Two lucky children had the opportunity to dance with the band.

The four-days of fun came to a head with the first-ever Mpumalanga Glamour Polo on Sunday.  It was a day of fashion and fun and the match itself did not disappoint.  Harold and Lebo Ngobeni won the best-dressed couple prize at the polo, with The Kiffness closing off the show.