The 140th anniversary of the Deniliquin Show was a roaring success with an estimated 5500 people through the gates at Memorial Park on Friday and Saturday.
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Described as the best attendance in recent years, Deniliquin Show Society president Graham Doncon said it was a pleasing result given the unexpected occurrences which threatened to derail all the hard work of the committee over the last 12 months.
He said heavy rainfall leading up to the event actually aided in a better show weekend, with mild temperatures ideal for families who were exploring all the attractions.
The last minute discovery that Sideshow Alley would not be as vibrant as normal also raised some concerns, but Mr Doncon said the sheer variety of other activities helped fill the gap.
Mr Doncon said the show coinciding with the Victorian Labour Day weekend did mean the Showman’s Guild, a separate entity which provides rides across Australia, was spread thin too.
Larger rides like the Cha Cha and The Zipper were missing from the Deniliquin Show, but there were still dodgem cars, giant slides, trampolines, laughing clowns, catch a fish and other classic games.
‘‘Unfortunately we can’t control what rides come to the show,’’ Mr Doncon explained.
‘‘It was a Victorian long weekend so a lot of the bigger rides attended the events in Victoria, closer to their homes.
‘‘We know there were a couple of big rodeos on, so our guess is they attended where they thought they would make the most money.
‘‘However with Saturday’s crowd, they might have done just as well here.
‘‘Showman’s Guild members who did come did a great job offering entertainment, particularly to the younger generations.’’
With reports of up to 95mm of rain falling in Deniliquin by Thursday afternoon, some horse events were at the risk of being cancelled because of a waterlogged oval.
All events were given the go ahead by stewards by midday Friday, with competition continuing until Sunday.
The show opened on Friday afternoon, but Mr Doncon said the main event is always the full day of activities on the Saturday.
Saturday morning’s livestock competitions were a huge hit and well supported by farmers, producers and livestock owners from across the district.
Local families and surrounding schools picked up plenty of prizes in the cattle, meat, wool, sheep and poultry competitions, showing quality animals and products, representing and highlighting the region well.
‘‘The agriculture competitions were really well supported and numbers were definitely above what we have had in past years,’’ Mr Doncon said.
‘‘The quality presented was promising for the region and it was just fantastic to see.
‘‘I believe this is thanks to our dedicated stewards who have spent all year encouraging people to get involved.’’
The Yard Dog Trials went all day Saturday and showed top quality dogs herding sheep, while other dogs participated in the novelty dog jump and fashion parade.
Children were amazed by the variety of Australian animals in the reptile and wildlife area.
They had the chance to meet a sleepy wombat and dingos, native lizards, a turtle and even a giant snake.
They also enjoyed visiting the animal nursery where they could cuddle with baby goats, chickens and rabbits.
The Tiny Tot and Junior Show Girl/Boy competition was well contested, with plenty of youngsters ready to strut their stuff in their finest outfits.
Pig racing was another popular event among families, who watched the tiny pigs race through the course.
Patrons also took advantage of free camel rides and participated in a carp throwing competition.
The pavilion was consistently full of people taking a look at the quality craftsmanship of talented locals, and Saturday’s Giant Pumpkin Competition is always a crowd pleaser.
But it was the Demolition Derby on Saturday night and the shearing competitions on Friday and Saturday which drew the largest amount of spectators.
The derby was a thriller with a fire and a boundary breach adding to the excitement, and Luke Charlton coming out on top in the five entrant competition.
‘‘The derby really drew in people; we had a massive crowd,’’ Mr Doncon said.
‘‘It was just excellent to see everyone there, and to watch the event itself.’’
A colourful display of fireworks officially closed the show on Saturday evening, but sideshow alley remained open for a few more hours for families to enjoy.
Mr Doncon said while the many volunteers who worked tirelessly up to and on the weekend are fatigued, planning for the 2021 should begin soon.
‘‘We are very happy as a society, but as volunteers we are exhausted,’’ he said.
‘‘The support from our community has been incredible and is exactly why we do what we do every year, so thank you for that.
‘‘We hope we can make next year even better if possible.
‘‘It is a lot of work entirely done by volunteers though, so we need more helpers to achieve this.
‘‘I hope everyone enjoyed the show, and I hope you might consider helping us.’’