Walsall Town Show promises to be a fitting tribute to Showman
Date Published : 12 June 2009
Monster trucks, traction engines, donkeys, a seaside sand feature and a fabulous fun fair will pack Walsall Arboretum for a fitting celebration of the 150th birthday of “King of Showmen” Pat Collins.
Walsall Town Show has been organised by Walsall Councillor Anthony Harris and his family and will be held at the borough’s premier park on Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August 2009.
Vintage lorry displays , Punch & Judy, fairground organs, Smooth Radio roadshow, fire service display and charity stalls complete the line-up of attractions at the event which will be officially opened by The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor John O’Hare.
Councillor Harris, whose father married one of Pat Collins’ granddaughters, said: “There really is something for everybody and it promises to be a smashing weekend.
“We’ve kept admission prices reasonable – a family of four will pay just £10 to get in – and there’s free parking so it’s an affordable treat.
“Proceeds will support Walsall Hospice and the Mayor’s chosen causes for blind and deaf people.”
Councillor Harris, a past president of the Showmen’s Guild, added: “I think Pat Collins would approve wholeheartedly if he was still alive today!”
Gates open between 10am and 6pm and admission costs £3 for adults and £2 for children and senior citizens.
For further details contact 01543 372820 or 07775 816316.
Travelling showman Pat was associated with Walsall for over 60 years, becoming an MP for the borough until the early 1920s and elected as Mayor in 1938.
Following his death in 1943 his estate was left to a group of trustees and the firm has since been taken over by Councillor Harris.