Next weekend sees the summer season of agricultural shows finally drawing to its close. The last one is held a week on Monday at Pateley Bridge, when Nidderdale Show takes pride of place at Bewerley Park, but next Saturday it is the turn of Stokesley Show, with the impressive North Yorkshire landmark of Roseberry Topping in the distance.

It is another of the larger rural events and nearly 20,000 attend every year. In common with most shows in August and September of last year it suffered in not being able to hold its livestock classes in cattle, sheep and goats.

First they thought they couldn't have them. Then they could, then finally with just days to go they couldn't.

But they are most certainly back with a bang this year. Stokesley Show secretary Janette Hugill is delighted with the response: "Last year was all set to break records in the numbers of cattle and sheep and everyone was so disappointed, but it hasn't dimmed their enthusiasm I'm pleased to say and we're coming back with even more entries again this year."

Derek Welford is the showfield manager and has long been associated with the show and ended his 10-year reign as chairman last year. He enjoyed his tenure, even though it did coincide with the time when the show had to be cancelled for the first time (outside of the war years) during the foot and mouth year of 2001.

Derek says: "Because of where we are, on the edge of town with roads all around the ground, we're effectively the show on an island, which means no-one can miss us, but it does mean that we can only use what we have rather than extending, so there won't be a sudden influx of additional trade stands one year.

"We have around 90 trade stands at present and a waiting list of over 50 companies who would like to be here, but we have always aimed to keep it as a traditional agricultural show."

The younger generation may think that Stokesley is part of a county called Cleveland, or even Teesside, but Derek is quick to refute that. Stokesley Show and Stokesley people are firmly rooted as North Yorkshire folk. "I was actually born one or two miles over the border but all of my relations live in North Yorkshire and the pride in the county is still there."

David Petch, of Great Ayton, is this year's president. "I have been attending Stokesley Show as long as I can remember. My main interest has always been as an exhibitor of black and white dairy cattle, beginning in the 1950s and continuing until a few years ago. Two previous generations of my family were regular exhibitors of Clydesdale horses, taking the connection back to the early days of
the show.

"A very clear childhood recollection was the metallic sound of horses hooves as they were led along the road from Whitegate Farm, Newton under Roseberry to Stokesley Show. Those were the days when a good team of horses was the key to the timely cultivation and harvesting of the crops."

Traditions can change though, and up until 1967 Stokesley Show was always held on the third Thursday in September. But moving to a Saturday has proven a success. Because Stokesley is one of the last opportunities for show competitors, entries come in from all around the county, and some of those who have often been seen competing elsewhere during the season, are invited to judge. This year is no exception and local farmer Colin Boocock of Moorsholm will be judging the Scotch Blackfaces, while John Heath of Cowden, Holderness will be making the journey north to judge the Jerseys.

Janette Hugill is looking forward to the attractions "We have Jamie Squibb's FMX (freestyle motocross) Stunt Team; the fantastic Richard Preston Gavioli organ; the Pauline Reader Can-Can girls; and Ripon Band. Once again the Cleveland and Hurworth Hounds, as well as a magnificent display of vintage tractors will also be in the main ring."

What is special about Stokesley at show time is that the town is also home to an annual fair, run throughout its main street. Back in 1223 Henry II granted the town a charter for a fair and it has taken place every year since.

If you're heading to Stokesley Show next week you should be able to visit the fair too.