This weekend will mark the return of a much-loved agricultural show, now in its 124th year.
The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show will take place at Nambour Showgrounds from June 14 to 16.
The first show was held on June 3, 1900, in Woombye, 5km south of the show’s present home, before moving to Nambour Showgrounds in 1909.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 10 councillor David Law said the show was a huge drawcard to Nambour for many and an important community event, with its sideshow alley, rides and a fireworks displays.
“Our Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is something Nambour is very proud to host, and I encourage everyone to come along and be treated to all the wonderful experiences it has to offer,” he said.
“The show bursts with tradition while continuing to offer up new and exciting events that are hard to find anywhere else and all in one convenient location.”
A multi-generational showgoer of more than 60 years, and volunteer of more than 30 years, Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show Society immediate past president Jenny McKay said this year’s event would be bigger and better than ever.
“The ring events of the night will be absolutely amazing,” Ms McKay said.
“It is top quality, very similar to what you would see at the Brisbane EKKA, and I’m so proud it is coming here to the Nambour Showgrounds.”
Ms McKay said this year’s show would again honour its agricultural roots and was a testament to the passion and dedication of the many volunteers who help bring the show to life.
“We’ve seen a resurgence of people wanting to know where their food is coming from,” she said.
“They want to go to the poultry pavilion and talk with stewards to find out the difference between organic and free-range eggs.
“What also excites me about the show is the community coming together. We have not-for-profit groups join us at the show and it’s one of their major fundraisers for the year.”
Don Hartley, a retired passionfruit grower from Yandina, has been coming to the show since 1965.
As well as winning many prizes for his own fruit, Mr Hartley dedicated countless hours to the produce section, serving as a steward alongside his wife and witnessing the show grow and change alongside the passionfruit industry.
He said in decades past, back when the district was scattered with small farms, the show was the major event of the year and still held strong as a drawcard today.
The show will also feature the V8 ute showdown, sheep shearing, live art form Straight Outta Nambour, a vintage speedway showcase, quad bike show and the chance to meet native and exotic birds.
There will also be hundreds of competition entries in everything from poultry, sweets and fruits to Lego, ceramics, photography and more.
To buy tickets, find transport information and explore the full program, visit the show website.
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