The 2019 Randfontein Show was the big talking point in Rand West City this past weekend.
The 33rd edition, and by far the town’s biggest entertainment event and business extravaganza in the calendar year, was held between Thursday, 28 February and Sunday, 3 March and again drew thousands to the Greenhills Sports Stadium.
Day 1 started with a bang, literally, with a joint mass military and police parade on the showgrounds early on Thursday and concluded with the ever popular Pom Pom and Cheerleading competition. The senior section was a rather tense affair and saw only two schools battle it out for top honours. Jannas were eventually crowned winners and Riebeeckrand the runners-up, but it was the juniors that stole the show and had the biggest number of entries in the competition with 10 – an increase on 2018 and the most entries ever. Overall, all the schools displayed some breathtaking dance moves and talent, not to mention the immense effort as far as presentation and costume design was concerned. Watch all the videos of the competing schools on our Facebook page.
Day 2 started on a more serious note with 1 500 people attending the Women’s World Day of Prayer, with Vanessa Goosen as guest speaker. Vanessa spent 16 years in a Bangkok prison for allegedly smuggling drugs. For many, the highlight of this special event is listening to the motivational speakers, who often tell of the difficulties they experienced in life and how they survived and came out stronger. The day then concluded with a stunning Fire Show.
On Day 3, the organisers had their hands full, as the day saw the biggest crowd in attendance over the four days. No one wanted to miss out on the action-packed line-up. Excitement was in the air as early as 8am with a live RSG broadcast of Brêkfis met Derrich, and the new singing duo of Caroline Grace and Fatman (aka Beauty and the Beast) that lasted two hours. Some residents were also called on stage to talk about what the town and its people have to offer. The busy day then concluded with the famous Francois van Coke and band, who blew everyone away.
And what better way to finish the fourth and final day than with kykNET’s Jukebox Roadshow with Pieter Koen and several other artists, including Refentse, Leah and Dirk van der Westhuizen, a Boerboel Show, put on by the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society (SABBS) and three aircraft flying over the showgrounds.
Marcelle Mans, the Show coordinator, said the Show was well supported, and that Thursday and Saturday were the busiest days they have ever had.
“We were blessed with four days of sunshine and warm weather. We could not have asked for more. The feedback we received was very positive and the exhibitors are very happy. The Show is community-driven and it brought together people from far and wide.
To me, Saturday was the true highlight and we saw a record-breaking attendance. The grounds were packed for most of the day.
“We are also pleased that we had no major problems as far as crime was concerned. Congratulations to Hoppy Hearts for being named the best stall, the Nederduitsche Hervormde Kerk Sionspoort for being named the best food stall, and Westgold Primary for being the Chairman’s Choice as best stall overall.
“We sincerely thank each and every one who contributed to the success of this year’s Show – the public, my Show Committee and all our sponsors,” Marcelle said.
View the galleries below: