THERE was an extra birthday bonus waiting for toddler Kate Watson at Hawkshead Show in 1993.
Kate, of Barrow House Farm, Newton, celebrated her second birthday by entering pet Rocky in the Shetland Pony class - and walked off with first prize.
A record crowd turned up for the show.
HORSE: Carriage driving at Hawkshead Show in 1993
Cartmel farmer Peter McCabe collected the prestigious Cookson Trophy for best sheep for one of his fine Texel specimens.
It was a sweet success for Mr McCabe, 66, of High Beckside Farm, who pioneered the Dutch breed in Cumbria.
Another Cartmel farmer, Alan Wilson, of Wood Broughton, did well with his Bluefaced Leicesters and Hartley Tyson, of Seathwaite, won the judges’ plaudits for his Herdwicks.
Show chairman Jack Thackeray, a regular visitor to Hawkshead Show since 1947, said: “I’m prepared to stick my neck out and say you won’t see a better show of Herwick sheep.”
Mr Thackeray said that fine weather over recent years had brought healthy attendances and secured the show’s finances, but he appealed for more youngsters to get involved.
Cattle were no longer exhibited at Hawkshead, but the show retained a strong agricultural flavour.
TRACTOR: Roger Benton, 13, on the tractor driving course, watched by father Ian
In an excellent goat section, the Robinson family from Dalton collected two prizes and a trophy for their Swiss types.
Judy Robinson, of Longlands Farm, explained the weeks of preparation.
“It takes six months to get ready,” she said.
"You've got to get the goats fed and in good condition, clean them up, trim them, teach them to stand and walk properly."
The hound trails attracted healthy interest as holidaymakers decided to chance a bet alongside the regular trail followers.
PUPPY: Craig Tyson, 15, with his 13-weeks-old puppy Jot, which came second in the small dogs category at Hawkshead Show
Dalton bookmakers Roy Turner said: "I'd hope to take £600 over the three trails.
"But it's not what you take - it's what you keep."
Other attractions included show jumping, carriage driving, a pet show, stalls and displays.
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