Story: Jo Harrison
Volunteers and members of the Armidale and New England Show Society have been dusting off the display cabinets and putting the finishing touches in readiness for 137th Armidale Show, which begins this Friday, March 1 and concludes on Saturday, March 2.
Armidale and New England Show Society member, Peter Simpson, is expecting a bumper crowd and record entries to the 2013 Armidale Show.
“The Canadian Lumberjack Spectacular will be back again this year, performing at regular intervals throughout the show,” Peter said.
“Back again by popular demand is the pig racing, and we have the whip cracking, all our usual sideshows and rides, a roving insect display, reptile display and our pavilions will be full of wonderful produce and craft for judging.”
According to Peter Simpson, interest in the Armidale Show and participation in the regular judged competitions is still high within the Armidale community.
“Going by the number of entries we have coming in this year, there is still huge appeal for members of the community to have their cake, floral arrangement or produce judged the best in Armidale.
“I expect the floral and garden section in the pavilion to look amazing.”
Horse events will again be a big part of the Show, with hacks and pony class events and a horse jumping event organised by the New England Show Jumping Club.
Steer rides will be available across the two days and there will be a large program of cattle events across the road at the Exhibition Centre.
“There have been excellent entries coming in for the cattle events,” said Peter Simpson.
Shows across regional Australia now have so much competition, with an abundance of entertainment options, however Peter Simpson believes there is still a place for Agricultural Shows to survive and prosper into the future.
“There is no doubt it can be hard to get people interested enough to get involved in running events during the show.
“We are always short of people for running sections; we would like to see more community involvement, but the shows still definitely have a place.
“All the Agricultural shows around the area are still going quite strong and this is great to see all the old traditions continue.”
For more information on the schedule of events for the 2013 Armidale Show, visit www.armidaleshow.com.au
There is still time to get your entries in for some of the competitions which close on Thursday so check the website for details.
Peter would especially like to thank all the volunteers, members of the Armidale Show Society and members of all the local clubs that come along and help make the show a success.
“We are always trying to encourage more people to get involved, especially the younger ones,” said Peter.
“They are going to be the future, without them we won’t have anyone to run the show in the next 20 years.”
“One example of a section getting young people involved is the cattle section.
“They have a really good group of young people that help out, get sponsorship and help run the events.”
The official opening will be held on Friday night at 7.30pm in front of the grandstand followed by battle of the Bands and a spectacular fireworks display. The popular Demolition Derby will be held on Saturday night from 9pm.
Friday March 1 and Saturday March 2, gates open at 7am and close at 10pm.
