Gunnedah Show Society is shaking off the dust of the 2017 show with a sense of satisfaction after crowds converged on the Gunnedah Showground over the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The annual event was in its 129th year when it kicked off on Friday, with plenty to see and do over the three days.
Society president Rob Witts said numbers were down a little because of Easter holidays and cotton picking but Saturday saw an increase, with the main crowd filling up from the grounds from the afternoon onwards.
We were very pleased with how the show went over, he said.
There was great attendance from the public on Saturday afternoon. And by all accounts people enjoyed the display put on by the local motorbike club and the stunt motorbikes and the fireworks.
The fireworks were fantastic and so were the motorbikes.
Highlights on Saturday included the grand parade, fashion parade, wood chop, pony rides, sheep dog demonstrations and motorbike displays.
The grand parade saw vehicles of all shapes and sizes drive laps around the show ring, with Gunnedahs showgirls riding in vintage cars.
During the parade, a crane lifted a man and a boy up so they were level with the grandstand, and then they threw lollies out into the crowd. Children went helter-skelter searching for lollies.
The show was officially opened with a rendition of the national anthem, led by Gunnedah Show Societys Helen Cygan and the Gunnedah Shire Band.
Mr Witts said entries were lower in the cattle section and horse events because of the proximity to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, however, the art and photography sections flourished.
The photography and art section had 100 more entries than last year, he said.
It was huge.
The animal nursery was a popular attraction as always, with more than 3000 through the doors on Friday and Saturday. The nursery is run by the Gunnedah Poultry Club, with animals donated for the show period. Janice Mammen said she was thankful to the club and those who who lent animals.
A new addition this year was the number of organisations and individuals with stalls.
We worked very hard to get organisations from the district involved in the show so they can show their own wares and hopefully it will only increase the people that wish to go, Mr Witts said.
The president said he had received plenty of positive feedback from show-goers and a personal highlight was seeing so many kids and parents gathered on the hill for the motorbike display and fireworks.
Its really encouraging and if the kids enjoy it, it means next year theyll want to go again, he said.
Mr Witts said the society was grateful to local business houses, sponsors and especially the volunteers for supporting the event.
Were very lucky to have always the volunteers that make the show run, he said.
Without the volunteers the show wouldnt go.
Related stories: