Good Evening to our sponsors, exhibitors, friends, and most importantly — the heart and soul of this event — our community.

It is truly amazing to see so many familiar faces, along with new friends joining us for a weekend that celebrates everything we love about our community – family, farming, and friendship. It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you all to this, the 71st Eston Show.

Each year, this event reminds us of who we are — a proud, hard-working, and deeply connected community rooted in the soil of this land. What began years ago as a humble gathering of farmers and families has grown into one of the most anticipated weekends on our calendar — showcasing not only the strength of our agricultural heritage, but also the enduring spirit of the community itself.

The Eston Show has always been more than just an event on the calendar – it’s a tradition that brings us together, where generations meet, where our children can run free, where families make memories, and where we are reminded of the strength of our agricultural roots.

This weekend as we walk among the stalls, and enjoy the festivities, we must pause for a moment to thank those who make this weekend possible. To our generous sponsors, whose support keeps this show alive and growing — thank you. Nedbank and Farmers Agri-Care, we thank you sincerely for believing in our community and in the future of agriculture. Also to TWK, UCL, Lincoln Haven, Finingley, Afgri Equipment, Wamoba, Kynoch, PTA Petroleum and Insingizi your commitment to this community and its future does not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for your support.

I would like to thank our Committee for the hours and effort you have put into making this weekend come to life. Without each and everyone of you, a weekend like this would not be possible. To Jenna Higgs, as you officially “hang up your boots” – please accept this small token of our deep appreciation, to say thank you — not just for the years you gave, but for the heart you gave with them, your passion, perseverance, and leadership have helped shape this show into what it is today.

We also take a moment to remember those community members we’ve lost over the past year. Many of them stood where we stand now — building this event, supporting it, and passing it down to the next generation. Their absence is felt and will be felt over the weekend, but their legacy lives on in the laughter of children, and the simple joy of neighbours gathering together.

This show is about celebrating all that makes our community and our people special. So I encourage you to explore the exhibits, support the businesses, enjoy the food, take part in the activities, discover the beautiful Art and most importantly – spend the days together as a community.

Here’s to a weekend filled with laughter, learning, and inspiration. May this year’s Eston Show remind us of the resilience of our farming families, the joy of togetherness, and the bright future we are building together.

Thank you, and let’s enjoy the show!

Belinda Love
Chairlady