record number of entries, according to Agriculture and Fisheries Director John Barnes.

While the show took a small hit when cloven animals were removed this year in order to protect Island livestock from the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) which is destroying animal populations in parts of Europe, other categories of competition and entertainment should more than fill the gap, according to organisers.

While the show itself opens tomorrow, spectators can get a preview of the young stunt motorcyclists -- the Honda Imps -- tonight in City Hall car park at 7.30 p.m.

If you don't manage to catch the Imps tonight, they will be performing both tomorrow and Friday in the Ag Show Entertainment Ring between 11 a.m. and noon. On Saturday the group will display their talents in the ring between 2.30 and 3.30 p.m.

In addition to the visiting cyclists, a number of local entertainers are scheduled to light up the show, including various school choirs, In Motion dance school, the Bermuda African Dance Company -- Drums and Dance, the Coca-Cola Steel Pan band, Sweet Girls dance team, Xtacy, soloist Stephanie Pacheco and a number of Gombey troops.

And, for the first time this year, spectators can treasure Ag Show memories forever by purchasing a commemorative poster specially designed by local artist Kendra Ezekiel. Prints of this unique piece of Bermuda art celebrating the Ag Show will be sold for $75 for a signed copy or $40 without. All proceeds will go to the Bermuda Botanical Society.

For those truly interested in agriculture in all its dimensions, there are nearly 250 different awards offered in a dozen different categories, for everything from flowers to jams to horses to equitation.

Some of the categories -- such as kite building -- have already been judged but other decisions on what makes items Bermuda's best will be made throughout the three-day event.

The exhibition grounds will be open from 8.00 a.m. till 6.00 p.m. daily, with the exhibition houses opening at 9.00 a.m.

Admission is free for children under 12 and seniors and $5 for adults.