The 77th annual Dalgety Show was a huge success with one of the biggest crowds on record attending for what was a stellar day at the picturesque showground.
Over 3500 people attended on the day with Dalgety Show President Julie Hedger saying it was an absolute fantastic day and the biggest crowd since she had been president.
“It’s great, it boosts moral for the community and the local area, and there are no other shows except for Bombala happening, so it just fantastic for everyone in the community. It’s great to be back in the pavilion and not in a marquee this year,” said Julie Hedger.
With the new showground pavilion making its debut hosting the art, photography, flowers and food products, there was a steady line up of patrons awaiting to see the inside of the building and the results of the judging.
Judging and displays were held in the pavilion for the first time since a complete overhaul of the venue by Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
The project was achieved using funding from the Stronger Country Communities Fund under the NSW State Government and was officially opened by Member for Monaro John Barilaro prior to the show day
“After extensive renovations that saw the whole building pulled apart, renovated and put back together again, it’s incredibly exciting to see these renewed facilities being put to use by the community,” said Mayor Peter Beer, Snowy Monaro Regional Council.
“Council commends the Dalgety Show Society for their immense effort in executing such an ambitious program and our Snowy Monaro community for turning out in extraordinary numbers to support the event on such a beautiful day.”
Most of the action was in the ring for the horse events, with both riders and horses engaged in multiple events. There was one major incident with one rider crashing hard in the show jumping. He was attended to by first aid and concerned bystanders and was helped from the arena. A few stray sheep escaped temporarily into the ring before being rounded up.
The yard dog trials impressed the large crowd as they witnessed the farmers instruct their faithful dogs to round up and steer the sheep on command.
In the sheep pavilion, the wool and sheep were under the microscope as judges awarded various prizes for best wool, ewes and rams.
There were local and regional entrants, with James Barron from Adina Merino Stud taking out the best ram award, Patrick Davis from Harden awarded champion ewe and Peter Lette from Conrayn at Berridale capturing the grand ram award.
The crowd wandered among the stalls viewing everything from police cars, tractors, clothing, the stockman’s challenge, the cattle yards and petting zoo to name a few.
During the official opening, show ambassador John Harper spoke as well as Member for Monaro John Barilaro. New life memberships were announced with Noel Buckland and Val McCluskey on hand to receive their medal.
See photo gallery of images from the day……..