By TANIA PHILLIPS
IT’S that time of year – time for one of the stalwart events of the Southern Downs, one of those events that you set your calendar by – it’s the end of January – start of February – it must be Stanthorpe Show time.
Stanthorpe Agricultural Society President Andy Williams said this year’s event, as always, is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people.
It also promises to be something special – the 140th running of the event on 29 and 30 January.
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome and invite our local and broader communities to attend the 2016 Stanthorpe Show, and help us celebrate 140 years of achievements and show culture,” he said.
The first Stanthorpe Show was in April 1876, pre-dating the Royal Brisbane Show by four months.
From 1876 the annual show was held on the grounds opposite the Stanthorpe Shire Office and the local courthouse, now known as Weeroona Park, and eventually moved to the current location in 1905.
Only once in that 140 years has our annual show not been held, and it was in 1896 due to severe drought.
“To help us celebrate this milestone, there will be a number of historical displays, exhibiting photos and memorabilia reflecting our rich and diverse past,” Andy said.
“If any members of our community have any items of historical significance linked to our show history, and would like to share them with us, we would be extremely grateful if we could borrow them for the historical display at our show. Please contact the secretary’s office on (07) 4681 2107, via email tostanag@halenet.com.au or through our Facebook links.”
“Behind the scenes, a large number of volunteers, sub-committee members, stewards and general helpers have been hard at work to ensure we deliver a successful show.
“It will be full of family fun with two nights of fireworks, a motorcycle stunt show, smash-up derby and the Young Farmers challenge.
“A new event this year will see ‘The Crack-up Sisters’ bring to the stage a mixed-bag of comedy, whip-cracking and acrobatics, while telling stories of the Australian country and its larrikin characters.”
There will be the ever-expanding promotion of local produce, services, talent, schools and community groups and the opportunity to get up and close and personal with animals and primary produce.
“I am excited to announce our official show opener this year is Michelle Messner,” he said.
“Michelle is the 2015 Queensland Miss Showgirl who represents the Darling Downs Sub-Chamber and the Goondiwindi Show Society, and is the face of Queensland Shows for 12 months.
There will be live entertainment on Friday night until late at both the Wine Bar and Main Bar.
The two hot spots on the grounds for food and beverage, the Ringmaster’s Cafe and the Wine Pavilion, will be operating both nights to ensure you can excite your tastebuds and rest your feet.
“Over the past 12 months we have been successful in being awarded a number of grants which have seen significant improvements to benefit the pony club with a new meeting and training room and more storage facilities for general equipment,” Andy said.
“ Further to this, we are indebted to the Federal Government’s work for the dole program (WFD) which has seen a number of local unemployed persons, supervised by local employment agency Neato, attend to maintenance and repairs at the showgrounds.
“This has allowed these future job seekers the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills bases and to gain jobs or new training opportunities.
“We simply cannot present a show of this calibre without the support of our valuable sponsors and we trust they see an economic benefit through their sponsorship commitments and that there will be social benefits for our proud community.
“I encourage you to come and visit agricultural and industry excellence at our 2016 Stanthorpe Show, and trust that we can provide an environment for you to relax, have fun, and engage with our country Community and values.”
SHOW ADMISSION FEES
Adults: $10
Pensioners: $6
Children 17yrs and under: $3
Cars: $2
Members: free
Members cars: free
Members’ children 17yrs and under with member: free
