By Jeremy Sollars
Warwick Show chairman John Wilson believes our region’s country shows are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, as the Warwick Show prepared to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
The 2017 Warwick Show will be officially opened on Friday 24 March, by Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, and will feature a grand opening parade, showcasing all that Warwick is renowned for, include our horsepower heritage, along with school groups and local emergency services.
Mr Wilson said last Saturday’s Warwick Showgirl and Rural Ambassador Presentation evening was well-attended which augured well for the show itself.
“The grounds are looking their best and the volunteers have been doing a tremendous job preparing for our 150th Show,” he told the Free Times.
“We’ve been excited to see the way it’s been building.
“Our country shows, I believe, are going back to what they always were traditionally – a place for people to get together, meet, have a chat and be part of a community.
“I believe our shows play a real part in bringing the community back together.”
Special features of the 150th Warwick Show include the United Petroleum Fuel Giveaway on Saturday, more covered areas around the showgrounds and a family-friendly area near the Geraghty Bat to enjoy the night entertainment programs.
And don’t miss the historical displays in the Douglas Feez Pavilion honouring Warwick’s heritage in the 150th anniversary year of the show.
Check out the full show program below and visit warwickshowandrodeo.com.au/
Syd Woodrow bit –
Free Times Arts and Events columnist Sue Keong found Syd at the Warwick Showgrounds this week setting up his lapidary display in the Caged Birds Pavilion for the 150th Show starting this Friday.
It was 48 years ago when Syd started Lapidary. He and his wife Betty have been fossicking all over Queensland.
When asked what did he saw for this 150th Show he told Sue, “Well it won’t be the organisers fault if it not a success”.
“John Wilson and his team have worked really hard pulling this all together.
“I give credit to both Dr John Kiss and John Wilson who have lifted the profile and pushed to improve the show.”
150th Warwick Show – 2017 Program
All event times are approximate and subject to change
FRIDAY 24 March – Big W People’s Day
Douglas Feez Pavilion, Kevin Thumpkin Pavilion and Caged Birds Shed will be open from 10am to 8pm
Sheep Dog Short Course Trial – starts 7am
Showjumping – starts 8am
Horse events – starts 9am – Local T-Shirt Day
Dog Show – 10am
Pet Parade – Judging from 11am in Kevin Thumpkin Pavilion
Prime Cattle – judged from 9am, trophy presentations at 2.30pm, sale at 3pm
Prime Lambs – judged from 9am, sale at 2pm
Stud Cattle – Young Paraders and Judges Competition starts 3.30pm
Stud Sheep – Junior Judges Competition – starts 6.30pm
Chainsaw carving demonstration – all day adjacent to Dr John’s Fish and Chips
Contrast Art Show – Opening at 5pm with Wearable Arts Fashion Parade in Kevin Thumpkin Pavilion
Friday night –
6pm – Opening of Show
7pm – Norco/ Redback Cycles Lucky Ball Drop
7.15pm – Move School of Dance
7.30pm – Cross Cut Saw Races
8pm – Mikayla Jade Trick Riding
8.25pm – BIG W Fireworks
8.40pm – Auction of the Wood Sculpture
8.50pm – Sheep Racers
9.25pm – Calcutta of Derby Cars
9.35pm – Demolition Derby
Friday night – Live Entertainment at the bar from 9pm to 1am – Sleeping Dogs
SATURDAY 25 March – United Petroleum Fuel Giveaway Day – 6x $150 fuel voucher giveaways drawn from 2pm – 7pm drawn every hour and 1 x $1500 voucher drawn at 8pm.
(voucher must be claimed within 1 hour or it will be re-drawn)
Douglas Feez Pavilion, Kevin Thumpkin Pavilion and Caged Birds Shed will be open from 10am to 8pm
Sheep Dog Short Course Trial – starts 7am
Showjumping – starts 7.30am
Horse events – start 8am in Main arena and 9am in Evans Paddock
Harness Spectacular – starts 8.30am in Evans Paddock
Poultry – judged from 8.30am
Stud Cattle – Led Steer and Stud Cattle judging from 8.30am
Stud Sheep – judging from 8.30am
Shearing – commences 10am with finals at 2pm
Ute Show – judging from 11.30am, presentation at 1pm
Horticulture – presentations at 4pm in Caged Birds Shed
Saturday night –
Live entertainment at the bar from 7pm to midnight – Mik Oberle
SUNDAY 26 March
Douglas Feez Pavilion Kevin Thumpkin Pavilion and Caged Birds Shed will be open from 10am to noon for entrants to collect items
Showjumping – starts 7.30am
Horse events – starts 8.30am
Heavy Horse Spectacular – starts 8.30am
