Balmoral Agricultural Show (10th May 2006)

Today we went to the big annual Balmoral Show, in South Belfast, which features farm animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens, including rare breeds! There are horse-jumping contests (including international), judging of many different animals, and exhibits. In the main building, called King’s Hall (see picture above) there are lots of stands selling all sorts of things! It’s like being out in the country – not the center of a big city!

It was a warm, sunny, blue-sky day – it felt like the middle of summer! We arrived soon after the show opened at 9:30 and didn't leave till it closed at 8:00. Though we've been twice before, there was so much we hadn't seen before, and old favorites to revisit. I particularly enjoyed watching the horse judging. There were all different breeds and ages – we saw hunter classes, yearling classes, two-year-old classes, and brood mares with their little foals!

The boys particularly enjoyed the big machines and tractors on display. Elizabeth loved running around and joining in with everything, and didn't like being put in her stroller, though she did succomb to an hour's nap in the early afternoon. Predictably, when the boys climbed into one truck, little Elizabeth wasn't going to be left out - she wanted Daddy to lift her in, too!

Our day was made even more fun by meeting an American friend of ours, Stan Copeland, who is from Nebraska and was the part with a cowboy hat, vest and boots - and his broad western accent! He grew up on a ranch so was able to tell us lots about horses and cattle! He’s currently pastoring for a few months in one of the RP churches before returning to pastor in the States. Peter enjoyed being carried around by the “big man,” and Elizabeth had her turns as well as soon as she got over her shyness! Stan had fun with them and called himself "Grandpa"!

We also saw a falconry demonstration, and afterwards I got my picture taken with a beautiful barn owl. It was breathtaking to be so close. He sat placidly on my glove, and I gently stroked his pale feathers – as soft as down!