Show bosses had been concerned that the restriction on livestock movement might have meant livestock could not be allowed onto the showground for the second year in a row, after last year's outbreak of foot and mouth disease prevented cows and sheep being exhibited.

However, two of the show's organisers Paul and Janet Bolland say that they are now up against a fresh challenge, in a race against time with the weather, with heavy rain this week making for a very wet showground.
The unseasonal weather has already put paid to this weekend's Gargrave Show and everyone in Malhamdale is now hoping that the ground will be dry in time for next Saturday.

"We are all keeping our fingers crossed. The ground is very wet at the moment but we are all positive and will be trying to go ahead with the show," said Mrs Bolland.

"We are in a fortunate position that we own our showground so the decision will ultimately rest with us. We are determined to go ahead."
The show has a proud history of battling against adversity and was the first in the Craven district to reintroduce livestock after the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak.

That time, entries were down to 50 per cent of what they usually are and the last few weeks have been nervous ones for Mrs Bolland, who is in charge of the livestock entries.

However despite the problems with Bluetongue, and the disappointments of last year, she said that entries were roughly the same as two years ago.

"The Bluetongue security zone decision came just at the right time. Entries are probably similar to two years ago and we are very pleased with the entries.
"On the whole everyone has been very positive and has said they are looking forward to it."
Her husband Paul, a former show chairman and farmer at Airton, said: "It really helped when they lifted the Bluetongue zone. We think we are in line for a successful show."

While the show went ahead successfully last year, it is the cattle that very much make the show what it is, which has a proud reputation for its cattle and sheep fairs, stretching back to the 18th century.

Now in its 101st year, the show expects to attract more than 3,000 people to the showground next weekend, for what is a traditional agricultural show.

As well as the animals, visitors can expect entertainment from a brass band, demonstrations of dry-stone walling, a display of vintage tractors and historic vehicles and a fell race for those feeling fit.

Show secretary Mike Spence, said: "Last year was very disappointing not to have the livestock, but the amount of people turning up was not significantly down at all.

"We are still very much a traditional show and we will have demonstrations of traditional arts and dealings at the show.

"We just need to keep our fingers crossed for the weather."

Malham Show takes place on Saturday, August 23, at the showground near Malham Cove. Judging and horse events will begin at 9am, with the main ring events starting at noon.