This year sees the 10th International Algarve Fair to be staged at the Fatacil ground in Lagoa, and it is on this weekend - the 6th and 7th June from 11am - 7pm.

Tickets cost only 3.50e for adults and children aged 12 and under go free. We went early today and it made a nice change for us to be ‘tourists’ as we have exhibited there the previous two years. I have to say - it was a fairly quiet start - and it was shaping up to be a hot day here in Lagoa.

There is a good range of stands and products available - one of our favourites is always Avril at the Chilli Boy website stand:

So many people have spent a lot of time and trouble making their little 3m stand look so inviting:

There’s lots to see and do for all ages:

And if it all gets too much there are plenty of stalls selling hot and cold drinks:

Our favourite thing has to be the annual Algarve Dog Show - organised and run by the fabulous Julie from Paws 4 Pets - so many hours of work go into organising this event over 2 days. Each year a charity is chosen and this year’s is the deserving Cadela Carlota Animal Association.

With the competition and classes running all day there’s bound to be a suitable class for your dog to enter - and the prizes are great too!

I do hope this fella enters the Best male Pedigree category!

You will find one of our favourite stands this year located inside the arena of the Dog Show - the fabulous and unique designs of Natália Estêvão - her paper clay sculptures are amazing - check out Fishy Dog here:

And her lovely piggy banks are great too - you can see more of her work via her Facebook page Paper Clay Sculptures

There is also wine to taste:

And truffles to test:

Or perhaps you would like to buy a hot tub for the garden:

Or even a sewing machine! There is such a broad range of things on display for sale here:

There are a lot of charities represented too - like the Refúgio Dos Burros Associação for the protection of animals in Estombar:

And our own personal favourite SOS Algarve Animals are also there along with many other animal charities, all with dogs - and cats - ready to be given a loving new home. Today we did fall in love with this cheeky chap from the Donkey Sanctuary though:

Once you have completed looking around all the stalls and events, you can head for the Arena area and grab some food and a well earned sit down!

There’s plenty of freshly cooked food to choose from:

There is a children’s play area and plenty of clowns and other entertainment to enjoy, including live music and dancing on the stage:

If we are honest, it seemed a lot quieter this year, but there is still plenty to see and do, and it’s great value for a 3-4 hour visit. Parking is always an interesting ‘wherever you can find a spot’ experience - we’ve never understood why a venue this large doesn’t have a purpose-built car park that visitors can use … but you can usually find a space somewhere on the road!

We’ll leave the last image to this happy chap wandering around waving at everyone:

Let us know if you go this year and what you thought - we always like to hear your views! And if you are there on Sunday - say hello to Dave - he’s photographing the Dog Show!