Windhoek Show Society 846 views

The 1st Windhoek Agricultural Show in German South West Africa was held as early 2 and 3 June 1899, with 22 exhibitors. At that show, the farmers from Klein Windhoek exhibited a variety of products ranging from fresh produce to wine. Breeding stock totaled 27 entries, which included 43 horses, 133 head of cattle and 146 small livestock animals. The 2nd Windhoek Agricultural Show was held 20 – 22 June 1902 and was marked by vast improvements in products and increased number of participants. Three more shows were held prior to the outbreak of World War 1 – 1910, 1913 and 1914. The first Windhoek Agricultural Show during the South African era was held in 1930. In 1934, Town Clerk George Kerby was appointed to lay out the Windhoek Show Grounds, including a large exhibition hall. The next show was, however, only held in 1954 and although the next shows were held only intermittently thereafter, 1954 is considered the base year of the present show grounds. The organization expanded with the inclusion of an industrial sector, initially consisting predominantly of businesses supplying the agricultural sector but systematically grew to incorporate the entire industrial sector. In 1966 the show was attended by approximately 27,000 visitors. It was held since then annually.