Bellinger River Agricultural Society Inc.
Bellingen Show made a triumphant return this year with a bumper event that attracted large crowds and a jam-packed program that offered something for everyone.
Show President, Susan Lumsdaine, expressed her delight on behalf of the committee on the wonderful community spirit which was on display all weekend. She said “we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback, it’s exciting to have our community telling us we’re on the right track. We’ve been really intentional about making the program inclusive, we are a diverse melting pot of a community and so we’ve tried really hard to tap into that. It’s been really important to deliver an experience that is fun, welcoming and safe for all. We’ll keep working at it, we’re trying new things every year. We want to the show to remain relevant and to be enjoyed by everyone.”
New initiatives this year included a Silent Disco, Scarecrow Competition, Chill Tent, and The Quiet Place for families. The Show also committed to reducing the amount of waste from the event. With local environmental education organisation OzGREEN onboard, reusable cups provided to food vendors, and a team of volunteers at waste stations, 25 per cent of waste headed for landfill was diverted to composting at the Bellingen Community Gardens.
Susan expressed her amazement at the dedication and contribution of volunteers. “The Show’s most valuable asset is our volunteers. It’s a mammoth effort, and we work year-round to plan the event. There are many negotiations with the Bellingen Showground Land Management Board, Ag Shows NSW, and of course, the Showmen’s Guild. Our chief stewards have their hands full coordinating stewards for all sections, securing judges as subject matter experts in their fields. Then inShow week, it all comes together with the various volunteer teams jumping into action like a well-oiled machine.
Behind the scenes, crews of volunteers are sourcing logs for the wood chop, cleaning and preparing the cattle sheds, poultry sheds, and setting up the courses for the Horse events. The pavilion team is meticulously preparing the Main Pavilion displays for judging. Marquees and staging are installed, rides, stalls, and food trucks arrive. It’s all systems go!”
The Bellingen Show kicked off on Friday with the Junior Cattle Parading, bringing in entries from Kempsey, Bowraville, Bellingen, and Dorrigo. Cattle Chief Steward Brett Wieck echoed the judges in praising the efforts of the junior participants.
The sun was shining on Saturday and the crowds came out in huge numbers to herald the return of the Bellingen Show . Starting first up the Horse arena showcased the best local talent in breed classes, pony club and show jumping. While over in the Cattle sheds the huge number of entrants made hard work for the judges. The entertainment tent was bursting at the seams with proud families and friends watching on at the talents of school children. Vying for the crowd’s attention at the Woodchop, the axeman took centre stage to impress audiences with their strength, speed and accuracy. At the Poultry Pavilion all type of birds of a feather were on show in record numbers thanks to the rallying efforts of the Bellinger River District Poultry Club.
Following the grand parade on Saturday afternoon, the Show was officially opened by local community hero Kevin Doye alongside a Welcome to Country delivered by Uncle Micklo Jarrett and Tahahni Berger and a performance by Budaabung Bari Dancers from Bellingen High.
The Luncheon Pavilion Cooking demonstrations went down a treat with celebrity chef Lyndey Milan preparing mouth-watering dishes, while local favorites Mitch Grady and Amy Graham shared tips on delicious and nutritious meal. On Sunday a table of 10 lucky winners sat down to a Spanish inspired paella feast prepared by Lyndey and the Luncheon Pavilion volunteer team.
The Artisan Tent held demonstrations and artists’ talks across both days while seas of visitors contributed to a tree of life ceramic sculpture, a giant snapping turtle mosaic and collaborative basket weaving project.
From beekeeping to spinning and weaving, lead lighting, mosaics and ceramics, illustration and water colour, crocheting and incredible embroidery there was time to chat with makers and soak up the creative vibes , while all weekend Artisan Blacksmiths worked away at the “needle in a haystack” artwork which will be exhibited at the Port Macquarie Glasshouse gallery later this year.
Always a highlight, the Pavilion competition exhibits, photography display and EJ Mantova Art Prize impressed with the sea of talented growers, makers and artists showcasing their skill – from award winning roses, patchwork, lego and vegetable sculptures, there was a category for everyone.
The hugely popular Mongrel Dog Show was a hit with a special guest appearance by Hunky Husky Hank “descendant” of first dog in space Laika and a run away chicken! Most Mongrel winner went to “Jack” and Best Groomed winner went to “Kumo”, every pooch received a prize.
The fun of the entertainment tent continued into Sunday with local choir AkaBella and Bellingen Youth Orchestra rounding out the morning. Kaya Boom led a drumming expo which had the audience banging, tapping and clapping along.
The Young Farmer Challenge team “Mother’s Day Fish” took out the $400 first prize and the glory of the title before the skies opened. It was a wet and wild end to the show with teams competing in the Partner Carrying Competition mustering willpower along the short but slippery course. Mother and daughter team “Wild Whitlocks” taking out first prize in the same sex team, while team “Sprung” Josh Batterton and Alice Howard-Vyse will be heading to Singleton to compete in the National Partner Carrying Championships.
All winning competitors and entries in the Show Official Competitions can be viewed on ShowDay Online website
The Bellingen Show took place on Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 May 2023.