The Windhoek Industrial & Agricultural Show
The 1st Windhoek Agricultural Show in German South West Africa was held as early 2 and 3 June 1899, with 22 exhibitors. At that show, the farmers from Klein Windhoek exhibited a variety of products ranging from fresh produce to wine. Breeding stock totaled 27 entries, which included 43 horses, 133 head of cattle and 146 small livestock animals. The 2nd Windhoek Agricultural Show was held 20 - 22 June 1902 and was marked by vast improvements in products and increased number of participants. Three more shows were held prior to the outbreak of World War 1 - 1910, 1913 and 1914. The first Windhoek Agricultural Show during the South African era was held in 1930. In 1934, Town Clerk George Kerby was appointed to lay out the Windhoek Show Grounds, including a large exhibition hall. The next show was, however, only held in 1954 and although the next shows were held only intermittently thereafter, 1954 is considered the base year of the present show grounds. The organization expanded with the inclusion of an industrial sector, initially consisting predominantly of businesses supplying the agricultural sector but systematically grew to incorporate the entire industrial sector. In 1966 the show was attended by approximately 27,000 visitors. It was held since then annually.
After independence in 1990, the Windhoek Show Society, a non-profit (art 21) organization transformed its governance structure from a Board of Trustees to a Board of Directors, comprising maximally 10 members including the President and Vice-President, which are elected at the Annual General Meeting. Between 1993 - 1997, the Windhoek Show Society (WSS) organised and hosted several smaller shows during the year, apart from the annual Windhoek Industrial and Agricultural Show (WIAS). These included the Namibia International Trade Fair, the Office and Home, the Feather and Fur Show, the Mineral EXPO, the Motor Show. These smaller shows proved not to be viable and could not be sustained in the long run. As in earlier times, the WIAS successfully embraced the changing economic, social and financial challenges by transforming and aligning itself to the changing needs of its stakeholders. The 2009 ICT EXPO, destined to become an annual event, is the newest initiative in repositioning the WIAS in the ever changing environment. In addition, the Windhoek Show Society embarked on a strategy of optimal land utilization by systematically leasing out to developers portions of its land not used for core show business on a 50-year lease period. The generated long-term lease revenue supplements the revenues from its show business as well as the renting out of halls (on a short term basis).
The Windhoek Show can easily be described as a micro showcase of Namibia. Participants from the Government, ranging from the offices of the President and the Prime Minister to Ministries and mainline Parastatals amidst formal (large and small) and informal private sector businesses - all constitute and contribute to making this event the largest of its kind in Namibia. Due to limited space, numerous applicants from neighbouring countries or further afield must be turned down regularly. Throughout its existence, the agricultural sector of the Windhoek Show - focusing predominantly on the stud breeders of large and small stock animals - has been the premier event of the Namibian breeders' associations. National and World Championships of respective breeds are held on a regular basis during the annual Windhoek Show. Over the past few years, the event has been marked by a growing trend in participating breeders and number of animals - in both, large- and small stock breeds. Record prices are attained at the auctions of animals during the show, which confirms Namibia's supreme breeding stock being sought world-wide.
Apart from the Agricultural and Industrial exhibits, the annual Windhoek Show also boasts of an array of food outlets offering a wide choice of cuisines that can be enjoyed with Namibia's popular beers. Entertainment for both young and old, ranging from the popular merry-go-round to various other attractions - the snake park, animal park, laser shooting, bunji rockets - constitutes an important component of the overall programme. The Miss Windhoek Show pageant also constitutes a highlight on the events calendar. The winner of Miss Windhoek Show is an automatic entrant for the Miss Namibia Pageant.
The newest event of the festivities list is the Windhoek Schlachterei Oktober Fest, taking place on three of the nine show days. Good music, food and "posting" beer are the basis for enjoying cultural integration during the Windhoek Show - an added benefit to the successful business turnover being experienced by most WIAS exhibitors - some of who have an uninterrupted participation record exceeding twenty years and longer.
