A cool change over the weekend did nothing to dampen spirits at the Bulahdelah Show, in fact, as far as Show Society vice president Glen Dorney was concerned, it was a blessing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Especially for the Bulahdelah Campdraft Show, which was on the Friday and Saturday, the cooler weather and a bit of rain gave us the perfect conditions,” he beamed.
“We received the highest number of entries ever, with 630 competitors making the trip.”
Families travelled from Tamworth, Grafton and even Sydney to take part in the event, as well as the prestigious Royce Dorney memorial Novice Campdraft.
“Overall, the show has been a fantastic success this year,” Glen continued.
“There were plenty of entrants into the dog trials, then there was the chainsaws, wood chop, the demolition derby and the fireworks which always draw a crowd.
“For a little country show, we do really well. There is a big focus on a family friendly environment, we like to think there is something for everyone.”
And something for everyone there certainly was, with the arts and crafts pavilion brimming with artistic creations, games, rides, and of course, show bags.
Young and old gathered together to enjoy the show, none more so than the fleet of school children who flooded through the gates on Friday.
Show secretary and treasurer, Bernadette Newton said school day was always a highlight.
“We had all the local children come from school, they enjoyed the rides, the farm animals and competitions,” she said.
After more than 25 years of involvement in pulling the show together, Bernie attributed the ongoing success of the event to the tireless work of the volunteers in the community.
“An awful lot of time goes into getting the show together, and without the support of the volunteers from our town we just wouldn’t be able to run the day. We are exceptionally grateful to have that man power.
“I love the challenge of putting together this big event year after year to showcase the wonderful talent that comes out of our community.
“It’s also about bringing out the best of this area, all those creative talents, and giving them the recognition they deserve.
“It’s a chance for us to show what we can produce, and it’s something people can get enjoyment from.”
Over in the arts and craft pavilion, steward Ren Sullivan supervised the hundreds of entries being dropped off, judged and admired.
“This was the first year we had an online entry system, which we were worried might deter people from getting their work in, but it didn’t at all,” she explained.
“A lot of the entries are from the local area, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the great local produce this area provides.”
The spectacle of the show was soaked up by competitors and onlookers, some enjoying it all for the first time, whilst others, like Bulahdelah resident, Georgina Bagnall were old hands.
Having entered her homemade flower arrangements in the show for 40 odd years, Georgina has won her fair share of prizes, and this year was no different.
“I’ve done very well this year, I entered six entries in the flower section and got four firsts and one second,” she said.
“This year I entered the flowers in a basket category, three flowers, Christmas themed and own arrangement.”