The secret to show success?
Agricultural shows are a country institution. As the show season progresses in the north of the state, we reflect on the variety of entertainment and competitions on offer.
As the agricultural show season continues in the north-west of NSW, I ponder the longevity of “the country show”. Most shows are now pushing 100 plus years of relatively continual annual events with the odd year being missed due to war, drought, flood or other calamity.
As the saying goes, the “show must go on” and you’ve got to admire the tenacity of the communities who produce an event that remains successful in an ever-changing world.
For me, it’s the personal involvement and local rivalry that tickles my fancy: the gentlemen who take pride in producing the best chocolate cake (men only, packet mixes permissible), the local kids trying to manhandle a young ram into parading correctly, the beef producer who takes the time to bring in a couple of their finest steers, the budding photographer painstakingly submitting their best images and the horse riders with their beautifully presented mounts.
I can’t think of any other event that is such an eclectic mix. The sideshows aren’t my thing but for many people, especially the kids, they are a real buzz. The pet show is always a crowd favourite and woodchopping has made a resurgence in recent years.
So what’s the secret to success? I’m not sure but I think it has a lot to do with community commitment and pride. Whatever it is, I hope that the shows continue to thrive.
Pic: Junior handlers at the Binnaway Show 2018
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