Scores of visitors concur that Bloem Show’s return exceeded expectations.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this event livened up Bloemfontein over ten days and reawakened the public’s spirit of positivity.
Saturday (07/05), the last day of the show, saw traffic around the showground came to a standstill as multitudes descended on the venue. Young and old patiently waited in long queues to gain entry.
Among the star attractions were the oval track racing event in the arena and a sterling DJ line-up – featuring Stino Le Thwenny, LeGoody, DJ Finzo, Tobetsa, Tshegue, Djkatee and Dj Seanjohn – on the Coca Cola stage.
According to Elmarie Prinsloo, chief executive officer of the show, the last day of the event attracted 13 146 visitors.
“Over the ten days, 93 722 people attended the show. This is only 7,6% less than 2019. Bearing in mind the Covid-19 regulations, as well as the cancellation of three cattle breeds’ national championships due to foot-and-mouth disease, the level of attendance was better than we ever expected. Given all the socio-economic challenges, we expected 50% less than our normal figures. We are so thankful and blessed,” she said.
“We did everything possible to ensure that our exhibitors and agricultural participants were given a platform to boost their businesses.”
According to Prinsloo, the influx of visitors during the first week of this year’s edition surpassed the numbers in 2019 and 2018.
“By 1 May, just over 38 000 people had attended Bloem Show. Altogether 29 000 people visited the show over the same period in 2019, while 37 000 attended in 2018. In 2017, the first week of the show saw a total of 44 000 visitors.
“We now realise that we underestimated people’s desire to get out and get together after two years of isolation.”
