Backdrop Fit For A Show

What A Scene

Last weekend I was invited to open the 66^th Annual Show at a little town in Southern NSW called The Rock.

True to its name, The Rock is well renowned for its signature landmark ‘The Rock’; a rocky hill that overlooks the town. The showgrounds (and golf course) are nestled almost at the foot of the Rock and provide I think the most beautiful backdrop to any country show in NSW.

Although The Rock is only a small town, it was great to see the number of families that had all come out for the day to experience something at the Show. I also believe I saw the largest number of entries I have ever seen in the “best decorated arrowroot” section, so I think this is a highly regarded title to hold in the town!

I had the pleasure of judging the junior showgirl and show boy competitions with 2011 The Rock Showgirl & 2012 State Finalist, Emma Angel. I didn’t realise just how many kids were on the showgrounds as they just kept appearing and were all very excited to get up on stage – one young boy was so keen he even joined us during the presentations of The Rock Showgirl at the Show Opening!

Congratulations to the entrants of this year’s showgirl, both young ladies were very passionate about the town they call home and the importance of having sustainable rural communities. Such great ambassadors for their town - it is great to see some young people getting involved and keen to give something back to their community. 

Making headlines in The Daily Advertiser (Local Wagga Wagga rag).
2012 The Rock Showgirl Riley Cherrey, 2012 Runner-up Ashton Yates, The Rock Show President Mr Jim Payne, 2011 The Rock Showgirl & 2012 State Finalist Emma Angel & 2012 The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Jasmine Nixon.

One of the things I enjoy the most about helping with the junior showgirl/show boy competitions is the creative responses you hear when young kids are asked about their favourite part of the Show, or what they have enjoyed most about their day at the Show. The rides and animal nursery always normally get a few votes, or whether they got a prize in the pavilion with their entry or with their game-bird in the poultry section. 

One response from a young lad I think really epitomized what the Show movement is about – he was at the Show with his family to spend the day with his grandmother and see if she won any prizes with her knitting. Sometimes I think we can get a little caught up in all the bright lights, ribbons and prizes but not only are our shows about excellence and entertainment, but they provide an opportunity for the community to all come together and celebrate what it is that we do best. Whether that is baking cakes, growing vegetables, floral arrangements, having an eye for a good horse, or breeding stud stock the Show provides something for everyone with an opportunity for us to all come together to showcase and celebrate what we do.

Congratulations to The Rock Show Committee on another successful Show and thank you for your wonderful hospitality. Also special mention must go to Megan Coyle - it was great to see a past showgirl (& state finalist!) continuing to be so heavily involved in some many parts of their local show - very inspiring for future showgirls!