October is show season for Yarriambiack Shire. Country shows have a tradition that extends back to beginnings of white settlement. An A & P Society was one of the first organisations that townsmen and farmers formed: Murtoa began in 1881, Warracknabeal 1886, Minyip 1887 and Hopetoun in 1896.
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The annual show was a highlight of the year and membership of the committee was keenly sought. Since these founding years, each A & P Society has followed a similar schedule with entries taken in many sections such as livestock, agricultural implements, produce and handicrafts. Attractions such as sideshows, amusement rides, food stalls, competitions and talent quests have been added to the list of features.
On October 6, I opened Murtoa’s show at the recreation ground. At the same time I officially launched the town’s 21st Big Weekend. Holding the Big Weekend activities at show time has given the show a new lease of life. It is the main event on Friday. One of the main features this year was the bucking bull. Set up as a free activity for children, the line for a ride was often a dozen long.
Minyip’s show was held on October 10, the day after Arts Minyip launched its fourth annual art exhibition. This display of more than 80 entries was one of the features at the show. Ben Tait and Minyip Primary School students formed a junior show committee to assist with organising the day’s program. It was a pleasure to meet this group – Tyler Pidgeon, Ishita Dalleedoo, Will Hotker, Wilson Mitchell, Rory Starick, Madeline Funke, Indigo Kerrins and Darius Joyram.
Warracknabeal Show on October 12 was well attended. There was plenty of amusement rides and activities in sideshow alley to complement arena events such as the horses and sheaf tossing.
On October 15, I opened Hopetoun’s show. Lovely weather and plenty of features including the bucking bull. This time it had been set at a speed to test budding rodeo riders. Wayne Hooten chaired a younger committee to organise this year’s event.
On Saturday there was a Show and Shine, with live music and night-time fireworks as a lead-in.
All our shows rely on a willing and able pool of volunteers. Without them, we would not be able to enjoy the wide range of offerings on display.
I am sure that the A & P societies in our towns would welcome any offers of assistance for next year’s shows.