Brisk preparations are under way to hold the National Horse and Cattle Show at the Fortress Stadium from March 5 to 8.
The country’s one of the biggest cultural events which was discontinued since 2004 owing to security concerns, will feature tattoo shows, tent-pegging, horse dancing, dog races, polo, equestrian jumping, exhibition of industrial and agricultural products, besides, competition of milk-producing among cattle breeders.
Several departments and organisations will field floats showcasing their skills, cultures and various other activities. A human flag, motorbike stunts, and performances by several folk music bands and dance groups will also be held during the show.
The show offers cattle breeders and enthusiasts a platform for healthy competition, recreation and celebrations at the onset of spring season.
Over the last 40 years, the show had become one of the most popular events featuring the best breeds in the country and encouraging farmers to compete with each other and win prizes for the best animals.
The first National Horse and Cattle Show was held in 1964 at the Fortress Stadium. The show had since been held in 1979, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
According to Punjab Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, several committees had been constituted for making the arrangements. Various organisations, he said, were enlisted for organising various events at the show.
The additional chief secretary and the local government and community development secretary have been assigned duties to supervise the events, exhibitions and festivities during the show, he added. Besides, he said, trading and agricultural exhibitions will be organised at the Race Course Park as a part of the show.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif said that the government’s decision to hold the show after a period of 11 years had been appreciated widely, specially in the farming community. He believed that the show would not only encourage the agricultural community through exhibition of its products and cattle but also help document the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of the province and the country.