THE TAOISEACH will officially open the Tullamore Show and AIB National Livestock Show in Co Offaly tomorrow, which 50,000 people are expected to attend.
The event was cancelled last year when the grounds were hit by freak weather which flooded the exhibition area. The last-minute cancellation left the organisers with a €150,000 bill.
However, this year, the layout of the event on the Charleville Estate just south of the town has been revamped to cope with any serious weather hazards and huge crowds are expected.
The trade stand area is booked out, with 550 stands scheduled to participate and a long waiting list of applicants.
Tom Maher, the event's chairman, said it was a vote of confidence in the show. The entries are also rolling in, with an increase of 4 per cent overall.
A statement from the show committee yesterday said Taoiseach Brian Cowen had confirmed he would officially open the event at 1pm.
The theme of this year's show is the Country Living Showcase, a reflection of country living in Ireland in 2008. With more than 1,000 show classes competing for a €160,000 prize fund and 45 national titles, there promises to be very keen competition.
The full programme incorporates many events, display features and activities to suit everyone and will feature new events such as the Garda Band.
An Bord Bia has a quality mark promotion exhibition. There are also forestry and sustainable living demonstrations and exhibitions.
The show this year also includes one of the best horticultural and flower shows in the country.
The All-Ireland ISA Championships, miniature ponies, national inventions, vintage show, art and photography, cookery and crafts, American sheepdog trials, sheep, goats, poultry, sugarcraft and rare breeds will also be on display.
The Royal Horticultural Society's garden club of the year competition is also being staged. The public will be able to see bees in a glass hive and many other events and exhibitions.
This year the tented village, which will contain the indoor events and demonstrations, covers more than 18,580sq m (200,000sq ft). There will be major equestrian events and the popular carriage driving classes, which are one of the finest displays at the show.
The grounds are open at 9am on the day and 7.30am for exhibitors.