Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
THIS year’s edition of the Midlands Agricultural Show has been subdued in its first two days, Thursday and yesterday. The show, a traditional occurrence on the Gweru calendar of events might have been dampened by the high gate entry charges where adults are forking out $4 to gain entry while children are allowed in at half the price.

Residents interviewed by Chronicle bemoaned the high gate charges as one of the reasons that were hindering them from visiting this year’s agricultural showcase.
“I do not think that I will attend this year’s show because of the high entry charges.

“The show is usually a family affair and as for me I will have to fork out at least $16 for me and my children for gate charges only.
“I will also need money to spend and it will just be unsustainable for me especially under the current economic, environment,” said Charity Ndlovu of Ridgemont suburb.

Exhibitors who are showcasing their products and services also lamented the low turnout.
Eric Chitiga, who has a flea market stand at the exhibition showcase, said business was low in the first two days but expressed confidence that things would be different today which has been traditionally the main day for show-goers.

“Business has been slow this time around maybe because it could be as a result of the entry charges which are not affordable.
“However, things might change tomorrow (today) because most people turn out in huge numbers. We may just record brisk business,” he said.

Most stands were literally deserted during the first two days of the show with Midlands State University (MSU) attracting a handful of people mainly due to the varsity’s band which was performing.

The Lunar Park – a favourite of children – had very few children visiting it mainly because of the few people who passed through the show gates.
At the main arena, urban grooves artiste Nox Guni was entertaining a sizeable crowd and was competing for fans with the MSU band which was also performing a stone’s throw away.

The show’s general manager, Victoria Chikukwa, defended the high gate charges and said they needed to recoup expenses of running such an event.
“I do not have the figures off hand but yesterday (Thursday) we had more people than last year who came to the show and we are still to check the figures for today.
“As for the gate charges we are trying to keep them as low as possible but people must appreciate that we have to recoup our expenses.

“We strive to offer show visitors high quality entertainment and we have to pay for their accommodation and related expenses,” she said.
This year’s show is being held under the theme: “Entrepreneurship for Economic Recovery” and was expected to be officially opened by Finance Minister, Cde Patrick Chinamasa.

Cde Chinamasa, however, left the country for Russia on Monday and show organisers had by late yesterday picked Justice Minister, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa to officially open the trade showcase.

Cde Mnangagwa is also the show patrons.

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