Showstopping agricultural extravaganza

FROM a gumboot toss to rodeo musical chairs and bush poetry – there will be lots of fun to be had at the Bangalow Show on November 15 and 16.

The annual event, which will be held at Bangalow Showground, will also feature stockmen events, working dog trials and show jumping, as well as poultry and pavilion competitions.

There will be plenty to keep families entertained, with farm animals, a farm kid challenge, and sideshow alley.

Two monster trucks will also entertain the crowd on Saturday night before a spectacular fireworks finale.

“We love how that it is still a true agricultural show,” show secretary Anne McClelland said of the event, which began in 1897.

“Even though times have changed we still showcase the area’s traditional country roots with cattle and horse events, such as campdraft.

“There seems to be a renewed interest in the pavilion with adults and kids keen to enter their home baking, sewing and crafts. Preserves is a growing section as more people try their hand at what may have been considered old fashioned hobbies five years ago. And we love our fun competitions in the ring on Saturday night.”

The theme for 2024 event is ‘chooks’, in celebration of Bangalow Poultry Club’s 100th birthday.

“There will be a ‘chook hunt’ for the kids on Saturday where they will have to find a variety of poultry — not live — around the showgrounds and write the corresponding number on the hunt sheet to drop back into the office to win,” Ms McClelland said. “We will also have a ‘cluck and crow’ competition where over 15s will be judged on their cock-a-doodle-do.”

Children are also being encouraged to get together to make a team for the shopping relay, which consists of one child of each age from five to 12.

Around 120 volunteers work at the event, doing everything from stewarding to catering, with members of Bangalow Lion’s Club behind the bar, Bangalow Men’s Shed acting as gatekeepers, and Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond as parking attendants.