Support your local show

On of those great institutions which so reflect Australian country life is the local agricultrural show. Growing up in Queensland I have vivid memories of my Grandfather working on the fruit displays at the 'aggie' shows, including at the Ekka in Brisbane. All the fruit and vegetable growing associations in those days would build these marvellous themed displays, building pictures with their fruit and vegetables. I also remember my mother entering in the cooking competitions with her wonderful cakes.

As a teenager I rode and showed horses at shows, and enjoyed the fun with friends and competition at the small agrigultrual shows and the excitement of the big events - the 'Royal' shows (which are big agricultural shows held in the cities which 'bring the country to the city').

Now I show dogs so I still get to go along to a lot of aggie shows, run in towns all over the state. Something I thoroughly enjoy.  There is nothing like the fun and festivity of a local show and I still feel the excitement going to the big 'Royals'.

While horse and dog events often predominate, there are often lots of other things to see and do and to take part in. Of course there are the sideshow alley rides, fairy floss and dagwood dogs, but also the vegetable and baking competitions, art competitions, crafts and other animal competitions and displays. Everyone in the family can have a go at competing in something.

It would be a shame to see these wonderful events die. Already they are changing and many small shows struggle.  During the Equine Influenza outbreak where for several years horse could not travel or be shown, many small shows suffered a lot, and some will take many more years to recover. 

I like to do my part by entering and supporting them and we always have a good time.  I would encourage everyone to have a go. Seek out some local shows near you, find out what events they are having, and put in an entry or two. Keep the country crafts and traditions alive. At the very least go along. I am positive you will have a great day out. See http://www.agshowsnsw.org.au/ for information on agricultural shows in NSW. Google for info in other states.