Some aspects may have evolved over the decades but in its 127th year, ‘‘The Biggest Little Show on the Coast’’ continues to entertain.
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The Albion Park Show is on Saturday and Sunday at Albion Park Showground.
Albion Park Show Society secretary Marilyn Connelly said organisers expected about 7000 people across the two days.
Society life members Colin Cook and Rob Ewin have more than 100 years’ show experience between them.
An Oak Flats resident, Mr Cook, 87, served on the committee for 68 years and is currently its historian and groundsman.
Jamberoo’s Mr Ewin, 85, was on the committee for 58 years and is now an honorary committeeman.
Mr Ewin said the city’s growth and evolution was mirrored by the show’s vibe.
‘‘Albion Park only has a handful of dairy farmers left in the area now, whereas there used to be 117 of them,’’ Mr Ewin said.
‘‘All the farmers came out and the community all came out, mixed and assimilated.
‘‘The community still unites around this event, though.’’
Mr Cook said the public was less likely to travel from other areas, such as Kiama, Dapto or the Shoalhaven, to attend such events nowadays.
‘‘People don’t go as far afield for other shows these days,’’ he said.
Saturday’s events will include showjumping, cattle displays, markets, woodchopping, sheep shearing demonstrations, the launch of Shellharbour Relay for Life, announcement of the Tiny Tot, Junior Princess and Showgirl Competition winners, FMX Kaos Motocross, camel races and the always-popular demolition derby.
Sunday’s itinerary features horses, art, craft and horticultural displays, a ute show, kids’ pet show and more.
Mrs Connelly said in recent years the event’s focus had become entertainment-based.
‘‘We try to keep things here that the kids do not see unless they would be on a farm and do it all the time.’’
She said the greater focus on entertainment was expensive, but recent developments had ensured the show’s viability.