The countdown is on for one of the Lower Clarence’s most anticipated community events, with the Maclean Show returning on Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22, promising a vibrant mix of tradition, entertainment and new attractions.
A staple of the region’s social calendar, the show continues to draw locals and visitors alike through its gates each year, offering everything from livestock and agricultural displays to high-energy entertainment and family-friendly fun.
Secretary Prue Ensby said organisers were feeling the excitement as preparations enter their final stages.
“We’re very excited at the moment,” she said. “It’s coming to the sharp end of the stick, so to speak… we’re all looking forward to it.”
This year’s program features a number of fresh additions alongside crowd favourites, including the debut of a brand-new horse event.
“We have a show called Battle of the Breeds,” Prue said. “It’s a horse show that one of our committee members has put together for us. So that’s pretty exciting – this will be the first outing of it.”
The new event is already generating interest beyond Maclean, with Prue noting it may appear at other regional shows in the future.
Also returning to thrill crowds is the ever-popular freestyle motocross display.
“And we’ve got the Aussie FMX motorbikes show which will be very popular alongside the fireworks display, which everyone always loves,” she said.
While the show celebrates its long agricultural heritage, organisers continue to find ways to evolve and improve the experience for both patrons and volunteers. One of the biggest changes this year is the introduction of online ticketing.
“We’ve started this year online ticketing,” Prue said. “Hopefully it’s going to be just a lot easier for the people at the gate because they’re all volunteers for us… easier for them, easier for everybody.”
The show prides itself on remaining an affordable day out, particularly for families.
“We try and keep the price down low so we can get people through the gate, especially this day and age where it’s just getting harder and harder,” she said.
Beyond the rides and entertainment, the Maclean Show continues to play an important role in showcasing the region’s strong agricultural identity.
This year will see an invitational campdraft added to the program, alongside the always-popular working dog trials.
“We have the dog trial, which is very, very popular,” Prue said.
In a move designed to bring key attractions closer to the crowd, stud cattle will also take centre stage.
“Normally they’re sort of off to the left-hand side, sometimes you can’t see them,” she said. “So we’re bringing them into the main arena for the first time this year.”
Local schools will again be part of the action, with Maclean High School’s cattle team set to compete.
“It’s very important,” Prue said of school involvement. “They’ve got such a good program.”
The show will also highlight one of the Lower Clarence’s defining industries, with sugar cane displays and interactive experiences offering a closer look at the production process.
“We will have Sunshine Sugar bringing their virtual headsets so you can sit experience the whole process, through cane farming and into the mill,” Prue said.
Community spirit remains at the core of the event, with volunteers, local businesses and long-time supporters all playing a role in bringing the show to life. This year, two dedicated contributors will be recognised with life memberships, acknowledging years of service to the show and wider community.
Des Harvey, a well-known Grafton jeweller, will be honoured for his long-standing support of the show’s Young Woman and showgirl programs, while former show secretary Lorna Stewart will also be recognised for her many years of commitment behind the scenes.
With strong community backing and a program that blends the best of tradition with new ideas, Prue said the show continues to play an important role in bringing people together and celebrating the region.
“We still do get a good population through the gate, which is great,” she said. “And with so many new residents to the area, it’s important just to showcase what the Maclean area or the Lower Clarence is all about.”
From the main arena to the pavilions, and from livestock to live entertainment, the Maclean Show remains a true reflection of the community it represents – welcoming, hardworking and proudly local.
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