General News
11 April, 2024
Get your entries together for the Gilgandra show!
“Get your entries ready now, the show isn’t far away.”
“Get your entries ready now, the show isn’t far away.”
That’s the message from Gilgandra Show Society ahead of a bumper 2024 show at Gilgandra showgrounds in 10 days’ time. The first day of the show, the Friday, is a set-up day, with pavilion judging taking place. The main day is the Saturday with sideshow alley and all the major entertainment. Pavilions will be open to see winners and entrants and all horse and livestock events take place as well as the other many attractions.
However, there are many things that need to happen before the main day. While various categories take entries up until the main show day, there are some that need to be in well in-advance. The Young Judges Competition training day was held this week, and the competition day will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, April 10). Photography entries close this week, ahead of judging this weekend. Entries for the prestigious AgShows NSW 2024 Gilgandra Show Young Woman close this weekend. In Section L (Poultry) entries close mid-week next week. For Section M (Grain), Section N (Produce), Section O (Flowers), Section P (Cookery), Section Q (Needlework), Section R (Handicrafts and Recycling), Section G (Fleece Wool) and Section S (Fine Arts) entries are due by the first day of the show.
See the 2024 Show Schedule for all the category information. Gilgandra Show Society secretary Iain Thurlow told The Gilgandra Weekly that more than 70 volunteers are required to operate the oldest and largest-volunteer run event within the shire. Gilgandra Show Society is a not-for-profit organisation, comprised entirely of volunteers who believe that good people working together can accomplish any common goal. “Our aim is to promote agricultural excellence through competition while engaging, educating, and entertaining our patrons and customers in a safe and controlled yet dynamic and enjoyable environment,” the Gilgandra Show Society website states.
Stall sites can still be booked this week and with the weather looking good for show weekend Mr Thurlow is excited. “The show is the sum of many moving parts,” Mr Thurlow said. “We have a lot of dedicated volunteers who have been stewards or have contributed to the show for decades. They come in to volunteer, whether it be horses, livestock or the pavilions. They enjoy the community exhibiting these items for a bit of healthy competition within our local district.”
Teamwork is very important. Each year the schedule book is adjusted to better meet the needs of participants. “Whether you do art, whether you have chooks, whether you do needlework, whether you grow flowers, whether you’ve got fleece, there is something for everyone,” Mr Thurlow said. “It’s not just aimed at agriculture, there is plenty for everyone to exhibit and to look at. Whether it be horses, whether it be photography, people can enter. Categories where entries can be taken on the main show day (Saturday) include horses, miniature horses, show jumping, cattle, sheep, and prime lambs and commercial value.
A number of competitions are held on the Saturday - Tiny Tots, Farmers Challenge, Modified Push Bike Competition, Lawn Mower Racing, and the Beaut Ute and Car Competition. Full details can also be found on the show website. Show tickets are available online now from 123Tix a single ticket is the same price as last year, with discounted family bundles available. Tickets sold at the gate for a slightly higher value so, patrons will save money by buying online ahead of the show.
