Family Fun and the Countryside Fair
The most exciting day of the International Trials, Championship Saturday, has also been designated family fun day, with a whole host of demonstrations, activities and displays to enjoy.
Competitors of all ages are taking part in this year’s International, from a 13 year old Young Handler from Ireland to… well some of the older competitors are keeping that to themselves! So naturally the event organisers have put in place a spectacle of countryside fun that will delight and entertain the whole family all day.
Here are some of the Countryside Fair highlights:
The Drakes of Hazard
This duck and dog display team is the best around – expect tremendous entertainment and hilarious antics from these Indian Runner Ducks! If you’ve watched the celebs on Flockstars try (and frequently fail) to control a troop of ducks with their sheep dog, you’ll appreciate the skill of Mark Wyllie and his dog, working in harmony together to control, direct and navigate these fearless ducks around a touch obstacle course.
7stanes Display Team 
Our local experts in mountain biking spectacle will head into the event ring on Saturday to wow the crowds with their incredible skill. The 7stanes Display Team has travelled the length and breadth of the UK showcasing their gravity defying mountain bike skills. Whether it’s leaping across an 8 foot gap; jumping over a 1 metre high bar; flying over our 7stanes truck or balancing on 2″ wide beam, there is nothing these young riders won’t do to ensure their audiences are amazed and entertained.
Family Fair & Inflatable Fun
Children can bounce and slide and bounce to their hearts content with a colourful collection of countryside themed inflatable fun and traditional fair rides. The inflatable bouncy tractor and trailer looks especially good fun!
Artisan Village and Other Attractions
And throughout Saturday, and indeed throughout the three days of the Trials, you can watch displays of rural crafts, from spinning and weaving to crook making; blacksmithing to dry stone dyking; alongside a fabulous display of tempting local food, drink and crafts – more on that in tomorrow’s preview!
The International Sheep Dog Trials take place on 10-12 September at Meikleholm Farm, half way between Moffat and Dumfries. Parking is free, kids go free and adult entry is only 8 pounds!
