Miss Polly Castledon Miss Junior Showgirl.
The Boorowa Show celebrated its 135th annual event over the weekend. Despite the sweltering heat, the show attracted visitors from far and wide, with everyone leaving with smiles on their faces and positive feedback.
Narelle Nixon, Secretary of the Boorowa Show, shared her delight in how the event unfolded, highlighting the overall success and positive atmosphere that defined the weekend. “The Boorowa Show was absolutely amazing,” Nixon said. “I think everyone that spoke to us gave us very positive comments. Even though it was very hot, they said they were so happy about the positive vibe that they felt being there.”
Visitors from across the region enjoyed a jam packed schedule of activities and competitions that catered to all ages. One of the standout attractions of the show was the championship dog show, which drew an impressive 600 entries. The event garnered praise from competitors, with many expressing how much they enjoyed participating in the Boorowa Show, noting the friendliness and warmth of the community. Similarly, the Alpaca Show, which featured nearly 100 animals, received high praise from participants.
Nixon also noted the growth in the involvement of young people, particularly in the cattle section. “We had more children and entrants in the young handlers at the cattle section,” she explained. “There were junior judges, junior paraders, and a lot of young cattle used at small country shows like ours to be broken into cattle showing. We had a huge influx this year, and it was lovely to see. It’s important to see young people becoming involved in the showing movement.”
The pavilion, showcasing a wide range of exhibits, was another highlight of the show. From homemade jams and child art to hand crafted goods and locally grown produce, the exhibits were a testament to the community’s creativity and dedication. However, the horse section saw a noticeable decline in entries this year, a trend being observed across the state. Nixon attributed this decrease to the rising costs of livestock showing, particularly the expense of getting animals into peak condition for competition.
“The cost of getting these animals to the right condition is becoming more and more expensive, and the cost of fuel is expensive. It was a bit disappointing to see the number of horses dwindle so much this year,” she said. Despite this, the show offered plenty of exciting competitions. The carriage driving competition was a resounding success, and Outback Jack’s entertainment proved to be a hit with attendees. Outback Jack, a skilled showman, captivated the crowd with his demonstrations of animal training and traditional techniques, including horse and dog handling.
“He’s obviously popular, and it was great to see him educate people while also entertaining them,” Nixon commented. The show also featured a range of free activities for families and children, something Nixon emphasised as a priority.
“We aim to make it a family day out, and we seem to achieve that each year. This was no exception,” she said. From the animal exhibits to the various stalls and entertainment, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Market stalls offering locally produced goods and handmade items added to the festive atmosphere, creating a vibrant marketplace for attendees.
The show also marked a milestone for Robert Styles, who was taking on the role of president for the first time. Nixon shared that Styles, although always involved, was taken aback by the sheer amount of work that goes into organising such an event. “It was a learning process for him, and he was absolutely blown away to find out just how much goes into it,” she said.
“But he was very, very grateful, and he was delighted in the fact that everyone helped him get through his first show.”
With over 100 volunteers, a dedicated committee, and a supportive community, the 135th Boorowa Show proved to be a huge success. The show’s positive feedback, the growth of young participation, and the continued support of local families and businesses all bode well for the future of the event.
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