Thousands of people flocked to ‘’The Biggest Little Show on the Coast’’ at the weekend for a chance to experience some good old-fashioned agricultural traditions and modern entertainment.
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Now in its 129th year, the annual Albion Park Show, held at Albion Park Showground since 1887, proved to be as popular as ever with strong ticket sales.
Albion Park Show secretary Marilyn Connelly said the show’s treasurer reported on Saturday afternoon that they had recorded the “biggest gate in four years”, which she said was welcome news after last year’s show was washed out due to heavy rain.
“We have been lucky with the weather this year after being rained out last year. We have had the right climate this time, overcast, with a bit of sun but not stinking hot.”
Traditional events in this year’s program included woodchopping, showjumping, dairy and beef cattle judging, vegetable and farm produce and craft exhibitions.
Popular as always was the fruit cake competition while the sheep shearing demonstrations, the pigeon release and hay and firewood auction provided some rural interest.
Mrs Connelly said once again crowds of all ages had flocked to see the chook washing demonstrations.
“The chooks have to be prepared for showing so we let people come in and watch. The show birds seem to like it, especially getting dried off with a hair dryer. It has become a really popular thing.”
For many the highlight of the show was the centre ring announcement of this year’s Showgirl. The 2016 winner was 20-year-old university student and CWA member Caitlin Emmerich from Albion Park, who beat two other entrants to take out the coverted title.
Six rings of horse events were held on Sunday, with the animal nursery, kid’s pet show and cow and goat milking demonstrations and reptile show keeping the kids entertained.
Mrs Connelly said this year’s more modern attractions included the vintage speedway cars, camel races, fireworks display and rides and added the Demolition Derby held on Saturday night was still one of the most popular events at the show.
“People in the old days didn’t need to be entertained like they do these days.
“It’s still the cheapest entertainment around.”
Sunday: 8.30am-3pm, adults $8, child $5 (under 5 free), pensioners $5, family $20.
