It’s Show Time!

The crowds flocked to the Racecourse Reserve for the Maldon & Baringhup Agricultural Show last Sunday, which was the first Show to be held following the Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.

Organisers were thrilled with the strong turnout, despite the fact that the horse events were cancelled at the last minute due to the soft condition of the ground. Entry and activities for children were free.

Following days of flooding and heavy rain, it was touch and go as to whether the Show, like many other events across the region, would be cancelled.

At the time of writing, the Bendigo Show has been cancelled due to the fact that the Bendigo Showgrounds is a flood evacuation centre.

But the Maldon & Baringhup Show went ahead, the Maldon Brass Band played, and luckily the sun shone. With the ongoing flood trauma across the region, it was a much-needed spirit raiser.

Sheep and fleece judging, shearing, a dog show, rides and sample bags, all manner of competitions (from Miss Tiny Tot to sheaf tossing) and a packed exhibition pavilion were Show highlights. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers for a great day out!

Handle with care…!; …and handle with even greater care! From wombats to reptiles, the zoo was a great hit at the Show; Jess Ellis was the sheep judge at Sunday’s show – it was good to see a young woman in this role! She has her own Corriedale stud which she runs down Gisborne way and started judging in 2020 after graduating from the industry’s junior judging program. Jess is pictured here with Baringhup Corriedale stud owner Peter Baker. Photos: Tarrangower Times

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 21 October 2022.