Stone YFC “Extra Terrestrial” Show Float
Back after a year off from Stafford County Show, Staffordshire Young Farmers take to the main ring with record crowds enjoying the blazing sunshine on day two, Thursday 26th August 2021. They held their annual Young Farmers’ Show Float Competition with the theme this year being “80’s films”, which meant for plenty of construction, colour and fun on each float as they created some of the most well-known films from an era which many of them cannot even remember! The sponsor of the competition, BD Fuels of Hixon kindly judged the floats before and during their journey into the main ring of the County Showground. This prestigious competition, the highlight of the YFC calendar and one of the most popular ran by Staffordshire Young Farmers, draws the largest crowd to the main. This year clubs managed to still create them in the six-week window once all restrictions were fully lifted following covid 19.
Led in the main ring by a JCB on loan from C Wheawall Contractors, the Overall Float Competition was won by Stone Young Farmers who created scenes from the 1982 film, “ET!” Their float was complete with an elevating bike and inflatable aliens. This was a very big achievement for this club who only reformed after covid 19 early in May of this year. Second place was awarded to Cheadle YFC who recreated the film “Grease 2” also from 1982 which made for a very lively spectacle with music, T-Birds and Pink Ladies. In third place was Chase YFC this year, who bought the classic film “Dirty Dancing” to the main ring from 1987. Their float had some great scenery and artwork including the famous dance bridge. Fourth place was awarded to Uttoxeter JNFU for their depiction of the 1984 film, “Indiana Jones” which saw members in safari outfits complete with a spinning man and mineshaft!
Stone Young Farmers were also awarded the Best Name Board Shield for their well designed and colourful sign and they were closely followed by Eccleshall Young Farmers, with their sign themed to “Crocodile Dundee” as the runners up. This part of the competition was judged by Mr T Packwood and Miss V Glover, Vice Chairman and Mr & Mrs T Parrot, Vice President of the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society.
Members on the Show Floats from nine clubs entertained the huge crowds and judges as they circled the Main Ring. After the year that everyone has experienced and the limitations to the clubs being able to meet Staffordshire YFC members thoroughly enjoy providing this entertainment to the general public and raising their profile, as a rural youth organisation which is all about fun, teamwork, learning and opportunities for anyone aged 10 to 28 years. After circling the ring in the heat, members were so pleased to get stuck into the water fight to cool down.
Staffordshire YFC has had an amazing two days at this year’s County Show. Their “Best of Staffordshire YFC” themed marquee has been full with people over the two days as members have put on a full programme of activities and competitions for everyone to enjoy. County Chairlady, Amy Boothby commented that “We have had a great two days at the County Show promoting what YFC is all about. The Show Floats were a fantastic and impressive display of skills including artwork, construction and obviously teamwork for weeks beforehand. We have attracted a brilliant crowd of supporters of all ages which makes for a lovely atmosphere at the show. All the clubs have worked so hard towards this week and this has definitely paid off.”
