(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The 28th edition of the Qafco Flower and Vegetable Show has witnessed nearly 500 competitors and 5,000 exhibits at Al Banush Club in Mesaieed.
This year, the event has been extended for two days and has seen an increase in the number of participants compared to previous editions, say organisers. Competitors include amateurs, professionals, schools and hotels.
Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada opened the show yesterday.
Khalifa A Al Sowaidi, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Qafco; Dr Hamed Al Marwani, Chief Administration Officer, Qafco, and Chairman, Organising Committee; and Dr Saif Ali Al Hajri, Chairman, Board of Directors, Friends of Environment Centre, along with top executives attended the launch.
"The volume of participation and the popularity of the event have grown through the 28 years since its beginning. From 10 participants in 1987 to more than 4,500 exhibits last year, all this is due to combined efforts of the people behind it," said Al Sowaidi.
Dr Al Marwani said more varieties are on display this year and the live ice carving competition which showcases art and skills of participants is one of the major attractions for visitors.
He said other events have been added to the programme that encourages more public participation.
"There has been a considerable increase in school participation, particularly of Arabic schools," he added.
Competitions include categories of flowers, vegetables, fruits, pot plants, flower arrangements, vegetable/fruit carving, butter carving and ice sculpture, among others.
On the first day, around 8,000 people visited the festival, organised by Qafco to reinforce its commitment to the cause of the environment.
Highlights of yesterday's programme were live competitions in vegetable, fruit, ice and butter carving.
Competitions in other categories were also held.
Today, the show is open to the public from 9.30am to 5.30pm and includes flower arrangement competitions for amateurs and professionals.
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