The Show

It's a bit of a tradition in small rural towns to get dressed up and go to the show. When my husband was a child, his Mum sewed new outfits for the kids every year, to attend the show. Local papers, business' windows and conversations are filled with news and expectations for the show - will it rain?, which day are you attending?, are you putting anything into the show? and so on...

When I lived in cities, I went to The Sydney Royal Easter Show in Sydney and The Ekka in Brisbane, but I didn't really understand the history and primary focus of these agricultural shows. The emphasis was on rides, food, show bags and entertainment.

When I moved to my husband's home town - a farming town in North Queensland - I saw the show in a different light. There was a much stronger focus on agriculture, cooking, arts, crafts and animals. I was thrilled to see the showcase of almost-forgotten skills, and the enthusiasm of those involved in these displays. I was so rapt that I came up with my own entries - rosella jam, garden produce and photographs. And our children entered their cooking and artwork. And we won prizes of $2 and $4 and little First Prize certificates. And I felt like we were part of something often overlooked by a lot of the younger generation.

Atherton Show, 1904
Photo: Eacham Historical Society

We've since moved again, and this past week we've been preparing artworks and poring over Show Schedules to be sure that each entry is presented correctly and delivered on the right day. In a couple of days we'll attend the show and rush to the pavilion to admire everyone's efforts (and check if we won any prizes)!