The Coniston annual country fair in 1996 got off to a very brisk waddle.

The opening event of the popular show was duck penning.

Things took a more normal course when more traditional country practices, such as fox hounds and gundogs shows, took centre stage.

The show offered tourists a glimpse of Lakeland life that they might not usually see.

The rain affecting the rest of south Cumbria stayed away from Hall Farm, on the shores of Coniston Water.

World championship wrestling was among the highlights of Coniston Country Fair in 1997.

The event attracted a crowd of more than 3,000 people, who enjoyed an action-packed programme of events.

First held 20 years previously, the event raised funds for the Coniston Foxhounds.

Events included fell ponies, children's sports, egg throwing, craft tents, charity stalls and classes for hounds, beagles, terriers, lurchers, sheep and pets.

A dozen competitors took part of the 13 stones Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling world championship organised by John Dennison, a Coast Road farmer from Aldingham, near Ulverston.

Richard Threlfall, from St Michael's on the Wyre, was crowned champion after beating North Cumbrian wrestler Alan Jones in the final.

In 1999 The Mail reported: "If you've ever wondered how to keep 50 children happy during the summer holidays then Coniston County Fair had the answer.

"You just stand them in two lines, ten feet apart and get them to throw raw eggs backwards and forwards - the effect on a child's level of concentration is profound!"

A few sticky accidents aside, the children seemed to love the fun event at the show. And so did the hundreds of other visitors to the show, held in a wonderful Lake District setting.

With the lake behind and fells in front, Coniston Hall Farm provided the perfect base for a day of children's races, craft displays and animal classes for dogs and sheep.

Stephen Hey drew the crowds to his unusual display of wood carving by chain saw.