The Bangalow Show will celebrate its 125th show on Friday, 13 November and Saturday, 14 November at the Bangalow Showgrounds on Market Street.
The idea of an agricultural society was first raised in 1896. The Bangalow Agricultural and Industrial Society was formed the following year, and its first show was held in March 1897 on land owned by Mr Robert Campbell.
About 300 people attended the first day, and 800 came on the second. The train ran at reduced rates for patrons, and a hall and yards were built in a hurry to be ready in time.
Show Secretary Anne McClelland said the milestone comes after some tough years. Shows were cancelled in 1917 because of the Spanish flu and in 1947 because of severe drought. Two more were cancelled because of COVID.
“We have always prided ourselves in keeping to the true spirit of Agricultural shows, alongside keeping up with the times and offering new and quirky events for patrons,” said Ms McClelland.
Monster Trucks will be the main entertainment this year. Lawnmower racing has also joined the program over time. The traditional events remain, including the Stockman Ironman competition, which has run for well over 30 years, the Bush Poet competition and Tart of the Show.
A number of former Showgirls, now called the Young Woman of the Year, will attend and take part in the Opening Parade. There will also be live music and a sideshow alley.
Ms McClelland said the Vealer and Heavy Horse section is cancelled this year but will return in 2027. The show still has a strong horse and cattle program, a poultry section and a growing Pavilion section.
The show runs on volunteer power. The main committee has about 25 volunteers who work behind the scenes for months beforehand. More than 100 other locals help over the two days as stewards, in the Pavilions and rings, in the Moller Cafe, and transporting cattle for the Campdraft.
Other community groups lend a hand too. Lions Club runs the bar and kiosk, Mens Shed looks after the gates, and Ballina Rotary manages parking. The CWA serves Devonshire teas from the Scout Hall. Businesses and individuals across the 2479 area and beyond also provide sponsorship.
Local schools are a big part of the Pavilion. Written Word and Art are the most popular sections, and school visits are held on Friday from Bangalow School next door and others. Many students also enter their own work from home.
Newcomers to the area are getting involved as well.
“It’s great to see that a lot of newcomers to the area make enquiries on how and what to do to enter in the Pavilion as this is a completely new thing to them and they have never done it before,” said Ms McClelland.
Many committee members are descendants of people who sat on early committees or competed at the original show. Some of them still volunteer today, alongside newer members of the community.
“Looking to the future, we hope to continue to encourage competition and community,” said Ms McClelland.
Council is taking over the running of the Showgrounds. The society hopes the show can continue for many years to come.
The full schedule and entry forms are available on the Bangalow Show website.
“There is entertainment and sideshow alley and something for absolutely everyone,” said Ms McClelland.
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