BibberChill 2009 draws closer with only 57 days before Ou Grietjie blasts off to announce the opening of Smithfield’s contribution to the province’s festival dates.

Although the festival will as usual be held at the Country Club on 27 June, it will officially get underway at the Red Barn on Friday night with an art exhibition by local and other artists.

Among the events on Saturday will be a sheep shearing exhibition and a competition in which each farmer will be able to enter five sheep to be judged for conformation and quality of wool. A greyhound display, will show off these elegant animals at their best – at speed.

The local quilting ladies will be showing some of their spectacular work as well as holding a workshop to introduce newcomers to this fascinating craft. Still at the Red Barn, the art exhibition will continue all day.

One of the interesting exhibits will be by the Smithfield UFO Centre. The stall will also display and sell rockets. Other stalls will sell food, gifts, crafts and there will be an all-day beer tent with live music.

For the increasing number of cycling enthusiasts a marathon will be held over 70km, another over 30-40km, and a fun ride for families.