CROWDS flocked from across the region and beyond to the opening of the 130th Dungog Show on Friday, 7 November.
Established in 1887 to promote and protect the agricultural and horticultural resources of the Dungog Shire, the local show is one of Australia’s oldest.
Competitors, especially those entering the campdraft, travelled from all around NSW to participate over the weekend.
The number of entries was up on last year, across both ring and pavilion events.
Friday’s hotly-contested program of Pavilion competitions included Needlework, Handicrafts, Plants, Cookery and Photography.
In the Pavilion, the display cases were crammed with fascinating handmade objects and delicious cakes and jams.
In particular the Needlecraft section received a lot more sewn clothing than in recent years.
One wall was given over to a large, colourful display of patchwork, knitted and crochet quilts and rugs.
Groups of schoolchildren, accompanied by teachers, took time off from their studies to visit the show on Friday.
They visited the animal nursery, watched the ring events from the grandstand, and took in the sideshows and trade exhibits.
Many had entered the pavilion events, like the popular junior Lego building, colouring competition, and produce classes. Clarence Town Public School was awarded Junior Champion for their collection of vegetables.
Main Creek grower Iries Blandford won Best Overall Exhibitor in the Produce section.
Sharon Barker won Champion in the Pot Plants and Flowers with her indoor plant.
Some youngsters took a day off school to compete in Local Hacks and Riders, Australian Stock Horse classes, or Junior Judging and Parading competitions in the Beef Cattle section.
Horse Steward Liz Elliott enthused that the show was “wonderful… going really well.”
She said that it was exciting to see the rings full and everyone enjoying themselves.
In the show ring, Supreme Champion Led Australian Stock Horse went to local Chantelle Vella’s mare Chalet Koa.
Chantelle was delighted to be awarded a large floral garland as part of her prize.
Crowd-pleasing attractions, including fireworks and a demolition derby, continued on Saturday evening.
By Lisa WISEMAN
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