Corowa Show returns with a bang

Despite the sodden grounds and rides cancelled, a great crowd still flocked to the showgrounds to enjoy all the fun and frivolity only a country show can provide.

This year kids got in free, while adults paid $5.00, thanks to a government COVID-19 recovery grant.

While there were a few hurdles in getting the 142nd Corowa Show off the ground, show society secretary Jan Mckenna was all smiles on Sunday.

“The committee of the Corowa Show would like to thank all those who attended the show and braved the wet and boggy grounds and the chilling wind,” Ms Mckenna said.

“The sun did shine and there seemed to be a lovely feel to the show with people catching up with friends that they may not have seen over the Covid years.”

The animal nursery/petting zoo proved to be a big hit for the children, as well as the wildlife display, Balloonatic Bruce and the Penultimate Pirate roaming the grounds.

“We were blown away by the number of young families who streamed through the gates on Sunday morning with big smiles on their faces,” Ms Mckenna said.

Ms Mckenna said it was “disappointing and frustrating” to have rides and show vans cancelled in the days leading up to the show, following trucks getting bogged last Thursday requiring a crane to remove them.

“Unfortunately, the committee has no control over these things,” she said.

“The Showman’s Guild who organise the rides have the rights to that part of the ground.

“Our representative was in hospital following a massive stroke, and in fairness they did try and get other rides and food vans.

“It was unfortunate, but we just hope that next year, everything is back to normal.”

Ms Mckenna thanked the Corowa CWA ladies for their assistance on the day following the cancellation of food at the 11th hour.

“The CWA ladies said they would organise something. What a surprise Sunday morning to see breakfast being supplied with egg muffins, the smell of sausages and onions, and the wonderful array of lovely cakes and biscuits,” Ms Mckenna said.

“On Sunday we found out there was no coffee vans coming, but we soon had cups of tea and coffee organised.

“I personally take my hat off to the CWA ladies and can only say a huge thank you for producing everything overnight. What wonderful community we have in Corowa.”

Ms Mckenna also thanked the contributors and volunteers who made the show successful.

“A huge thank you to the schools for the display of the children’s work in the art room. It was just perfect and I am sure children were delighted to see their work on display,” she said.

“The Albury Band rounded off the day with their music playing and people sitting around and tapping their feet. It was just delightful to great music at the show.

“To everyone who made a commitment to the show in the form of entries in all areas of the show thank you, because if we did not have your support, it would be nothing.

“To make the show a success requires many individuals and groups to work together to provide the best weekend for the community. To our volunteers and sponsors, thank you.

“Let’s hope we can make the 2023 show bigger and better with more volunteers on board to make it a great success.”