Johannesburg - Beautiful women wearing sashes, army personnel showing off their weaponry, scientists doing dangerous experiments, and plenty of food to go around.
These are some of the things that get people excited about the Rand Show, and they’re the same things that got people going at the annual expo’s media launch.
The yearly Easter treat will kick off on Friday at Nasrec, and will serve up entertainment in the form of bodybuilding shows, live music and mobile zoos until April 12.
“The Rand Show enables real business opportunities for everyone. There are seven themed exhibition halls, with hundreds of exhibitors showing off ideas, products and services - from family lifestyle and the home environment, to wellness, hobbies, sports, science and technology and action - all in one massive exhibition.
“Plus, there are many open-air lifestyle and adventure exhibits around the halls,” said Craig Newman, chief executive of the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
Those bringing children can keep them entertained by taking them to the Animal Kingdom. “The Mobile Zoo will march out a parade of chinchillas, tenrecs, Mongolian gerbils, marmosets, macaws, tarantulas, giant Madagascan hissing roaches, iguanas and an army of insects, to mention but a few,” said Megan Houghton, who does public relations for the show.
The Rand Show is in its 121st year. As it opens from 9am until 7pm every day, patrons will have enough time to take in the exhibits and entertainment. “The programme for both weekends is absolutely packed. These include a Harley-Davidson parade, live concerts, a drum-majorettes display, SA Solar Car Challenge, hip hop demonstration, children’s baking and making, putt-putt, Lego Land, historic racing cars and classic American V8 cars,” Newman said.
Price of the tickets
* Adults pay R120 at the gates or R100 through Computicket. April 7-10 midweek special for adults is R60 at the gate and R50 at Computicket.
* R50 for pensioners over 65.
* R50 for teens aged 13-16.
* R20 for children aged 6-12.
* No charge for children under 6.
lerato.mbangeni@inl.co.za
The Star