Maybe it's not the Ag Show, but the SPCA Fair this April promises much of the same fun ? animals, baked goods, and, of course, a poultry display.

Usually, the SPCA Fair is held every year in September. Damage to the Botanical Gardens from Hurricane Fabian prevented it last year, however.

Then, with the announcement that, also due to the damage to the Botanical Gardens, the Annual Exhibition would have to be cancelled for 2004, the SPCA decided to hold their fair in its place.

The SPCA Fair will be held Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Botanical Gardens, said shelter manager Theresa Ince.

"There will be kids games, food of course ? plenty of food," she said. "There will be raffles, a bake sale, the poultry fanciers will have a display, the cat fanciers will also have a display, BFAB will have a table, the different dog training clubs will be there."

The SPCA is also attempting a petting zoo, she said ? a feat which is proving to be tricky as organisers search for people with animals that can bring them to the fair. "We might just have a few goats."

There will also be a book sale and a 'Nearly New' boutique. Children's crafts include making bird feeders, and raffle prizes include quilts from the Bermuda Quilting Association.

And, best of all, there is no admission fee.

The SPCA is expecting a bigger crowd with the cancellation of the Annual Exhibition and, while usual attendees to the fair are younger children, Ms Ince said teenagers may indeed show up this year.

"It will definitely be fun, but there will also be a chance to learn."

The next SPCA Fair will be held in September, 2005.