Torah Bennett can’t wait to sample the wad of fairy floss that was a show favourite over the weekend. Photo courtesy of Sue Miles/Deni Show Society.
Bigger and better is how show goers have described the Deniliquin Show compared to previous years, which was a feat in itself with only months to organise after multiple set backs.
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The Deniliquin Pastoral & Agricultural Society committee, volunteers and many local businesses all combined in a massive effort to present the local community and visitors alike with a successful, memorable event.
After a 2022 cancellation due to COVID, plans for this year’s event were impeded when Memorial Park and the showgrounds were inundated by floodwaters from August to November last year.
The transformation of the Memorial Park Showgrounds into what was a fantastic local show filled with fun, laughter and happy show goers sampling all the events on offer, was a testament to all those involved.
Deniliquin Pastoral & Agricultural Society vice president Trudy Fanning said it was “just amazing” to have pulled it off after all the obstacles they faced.
“What a comeback is how I would describe how we all feel after what we have witnessed across the weekend,” Mrs Fanning said.
“For us, putting together a show with only months to organise is just amazing and we are in full running mode looking towards next year.
“We cannot thank the businesses and volunteers enough.
“They were so focused on hard work and bringing the show back to Deni for people to enjoy. And enjoy they did.”
Show Society secretary Anna Kelly said there were 3500 tickets sold by the end of the event.
But there were many others who came through the gate, with volunteers, sponsors and children under five years-old not counted in that total.
“From what we are hearing from those who attended the show, they are saying it was bigger and better than previous years and they all had a great time and were happy to have another event back on the calendar,” she said.
Stand-out events that drew big crowds were the Demolition Derby with all the crash and bang moments and handy prize money on offer.
The speed shearing and Riverina Shearing Championships was a favourite, with entrants coming from as far as the South Australian border.
The Deniliquin Yard Dog Association events - including the NSW 2023 State Yard Dog Championships - was always surrounded by spectators, as were the equestrian events and the livestock judging sections.
And the petting zoo and free camel rides were also a hit.
Fairy floss and dagwood dogs were the show staples and some of the rides gave even the hardiest of thrill seekers a slight know in their stomach.
The dodgem cars were always ramming and jamming and assorted flavours of slushies in a variety of holders were extremely popular with half price refills.
The pavillion had all the old favourites and even added a Lego section, which will gain in popularity in the coming years.
Saturday night concluded with a fireworks display to take your breath away.
It was the perfect punctuation mark for what can definitely be described as a brilliant comeback.
Bec Oddy and Penny Tangey with Cassie Lee atop her horse Lexi.
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