Not even rain could put a damper on the opening of Guyra's 111th show on Friday.
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"What a great, positive reflection on our district this is!" Show Society president Richard Post said. "I think 2019 might be our best yet. There's a lot of fun to be had at this show, and it brings out the very best in this community."
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Young thrillseekers braved mechanical bulls, joy whizzers, dodgem cars, and the terrifying Ali Baba.
Locals - many wearing jackets and raincoats for the first time this year - bought curries, casseroles, snags, waffles, poffertjes, and hot coffee - the right thing for an autumn evening: 13 degrees, and windy.
And there was plenty of beer and good cheer in the bar.
Former rugby dual international Wendell Sailor officially opened the show on Friday evening. He had been in Ben Lomond for a men's health night in October; coming back, he said, was an easy yes. As a country boy himself, he understood how hard everyone works. He looked forward to having a beer and a chat with locals this weekend.
Three notable Guyrans were recognised for their longstanding support of the show.
Frank Presnell received a plaque from Showmen's Guild of Australia representative Shelly Pink-Easey.
Tony Williams was awarded life membership of the Guyra Show Society, presented by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall. Mr Williams had exhibited tractors and machinery at the show for 63 years.
"He's been part of the show for more than half of the years it's been operating," Mr Marshall said.
Ian Sole received the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW's Agricultural Shows Award, presented by RAS representative Brian Badgery.
"He is a true gentleman, and a stalwart of the show society," Mr Badgery said.
Mr Sole had been an active member of the show since 1953, and, at 83, was still head steward of the car stand committee, a position he'd held for half a century. In his younger days, he had been in charge of the entertainment; he had guaranteed a bank loan to build the show secretary's office; and had regularly exhibited fleece and wool. Involvement with the Guyra Show was a family tradition; his grandfather was a founding member of the society, and his son Chris had been treasurer since 2004.
This year's showgirls are senior Jodie Ellis, asset manager at Town and Country Estate; and junior Colleen Pearson, a Year 11 student at Guyra Central School. Jodie will compete in the Zone Four finals at Narrabri this weekend. Good luck!
Thirty-five Guyra men tried their hand at baking a cake. The winner was Neil Paine, of Juneils Cafe, with his carrot and walnut cake with cream cheese and white chocolate icing.
"I feel very surprised, and great!" Mr Paine said. "It was really good to see so many entries."
Mr Paine is an experienced cook, but hadn't done much baking before. His wife June thought the cake was a bit dry - "but he won," she laughed; "he knew what he was doing!"
Mr Paine made the carrot cake using Juneils' recipe, and, the Paines say, Neil will have to bake some more for the cafe.
Second place went to Herb Mackenzie, from U Goose, with his raspberry cheesecake. Special mentions to Dan McLennan, Chris Sole (most alcoholic cake), and Lachie Cullen (richest chocolate cake).
The evening ended with the ladies' trailer reversing competition, and bicycle sheep-shearing.
The fun continues today with dog trials, wood-chopping, cattle shows, and the wool section, which Mr Post said was widely regarded as one of the state’s best outside the Sydney Royal. Plus, of course, local Guyra produce, arts and crafts, lunch and tea in the pavilion dining room.
The festivities end tonight with the Rooftop Express Wild West Extravaganza, at 7pm. It’s billed as a world class authentic Australian bush experience, with world-first stunts, true blue Australian comedy, awe-inspiring horsemanship, loveable bush characters, and an amusing storyline.
"That's the big draw-card for us,” Mr Post said, “and the only reason we're able to do that is on the back of Adam Marshall's kind contribution for the state government."
The MP secured a one-off grant of $5000 for the show last year.
Show schedules are available at the GALA Centre, 136 Bradley Street, or from the Show’s website.