The Bingara Show held May 20, 21 has been dubbed by many as one of the greatest shows in years. President of the show society Ben Monie said it was a great weekend. “It was a great effort by the committee in all areas of the show”, Mr Monie said.
A few short months ago, there were suggestions the show would not go ahead, due to a shortage of people to help. A strong committee had pitched in to ensure the show not only went ahead, but was successful.
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While the Show Society is not yet sure if the show was a financial success, the weekend saw high entries in most categories of the show particularly the campdraft and the pavilion.
Gate takings were also good. “So many people had positive comments about the pavilion”, said show secretary Charlotte Gibson. General comments were that the Pavilion was magnificent and as good as they have seen it.”
Adding to the Pavilion was the fashion parade of vintage and modern clothing staged by Nancy MacInnes and Shananigans on Gwydir. The parade brought many spectators into the pavilion to catch a glimpse of the different fashions and allowed the other sections of the pavilion to share the limelight.
A decision to affilate with Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association has paid off for the campdraft, with entries “way up” on previous years, making for a very successful event.
“It was a big effort for the campdraft organisers,” said Mr Monie. “It was a great effort to get the cattle for the campdraft and the owners of the cattle should be thanked for their contribution.
”The Cattle section saw a large crowd of spectators to watch the judging of about 70 cattle entered in the show. Cattle Judge was former Bingara man, Jack Smith, who was impressed with the line up of cattle.
He said it was a great honour to award the first Ken Smith Memorial Trophy for the Champion all Breeds Bull of the Show. The trophy was presented by Mrs. Robyn Smith. Jack said his Uncle Ken was always a strong supporter of the show, and noted that one year, Ken had cut the silky oak trees shading the crowd back to the trunk. When it was suggested that Ken had killed the trees, Jack said, Ken replied “You can’t kill the @#$%s”.
It was pointed out to the Advocate the trees were planted by Ernie and Jack Hallman, for whom the Hallman Bros. Perpetual Trophy, another new trophy this year, was named.
Numbers in the sheep section were light. Judge Ron Greenaway, said the number of entries was indicative of the season and the times, with fewer sheep around. Although numbers were light, Ron said the quality of the sheep exhibited was impressive. He singled out a pen of three South African Merinos exhibited by David Nicolle which he awarded the championship prize to. Ron estimated the sheep to be about 11 months old. “Look at the size of them in comparision to the others,” he said.
Wool made a welcome return to the Show this year, and although the section was small, quality was again good.
“The commentary of ring events by John Gill and Maria Coote kept the spectators entertained during the day and Ron Greenaway does an amazing job on the grounds,” Mrs Gibson said.
Maria also did an excellent job preparing the ladies toilets, which were cleaned, and decorated with lanterns and flowers.
The evening entertainment including calf painting and the demolition Derby was enjoyed by all and drew a large crowd to bar area.
“All in all it was a good show”, Mr Monie said.
