Jenny Pollard, The Buloke Times
Finally! Following three years of “No Show” the Charlton A & P Society could at last breathe a sigh of relief as the 140th Show returned to the annual calendar and – for the first time – was held in the new Charlton Park Complex.
With the woes of the past years in the rear-view mirror, 2023 received the best approbation – a large crowd, revitalised interest and plenty of praise from a community eager to re-engage with this time-honoured local event.
As just one of the 580 agricultural shows which take place across Australia, Charlton has fought doggedly to retain its big day.
While this hasn’t always been easy, despite all – including Covid and the climate – tenacity has prevailed, and so has the Show – a fact highlighted by the Show president, Billy Fitzpatrick, in his message in the Show Schedule.
In a leap forward to the 280th Show, Billy sees a far-distant relative recounting the struggles of the past and how this distant ancestor and the Show committee of 2023 battled through to run the greatest show of all!
Attractions
Well, folks, it WAS a pretty good Show! Though the weather was blustery and cool, the attractions were many and varied, the Pavilion exhibits were impressive, and the cake display – in the entrance foyer of the Complex – looked mouth-wateringly delicious. (Oh, to be a judge!)
Wool, sheep, animals, plus lots of static displays were complemented with the muscle-pumping woodchop, sheaf toss, and boomerang throwing, while (some) vocal cords were given a work-out at the sheep dog trials. Live music, kids’ entertainment and the eye-catching Water Drops stilts / bubbles roving duo had everyone mesmerized.
Unfortunately, the wind made the boomerang throwing difficult, and no doubt the sheaf toss was either aided or hindered by the wintry blast, depending on the toss direction.
Still, there were ample opportunities to enjoy the many other attractions which featured on the day.
A large selection of stall holders filled the main conference area, grabbing the public’s attention as they moved from one end of the complex to the other to view the Pavilion exhibits. Getting used to a different layout, which was spread across multiple rooms instead of one space, was certainly a change, but seemed to encourage the crowd to move throughout the indoor area more.
Biggest Ever
Pavilion Secretary, Aileen Allan, said entries in the needlecraft section were the biggest ever, and of a high quality, while the cookery section was well patronized by juniors – a positive outlook for adult competitors of the future.
Feedback from the judges had also been encouraging, Aileen said, and “having the capacity to enter online has really made things so much easier”.
Refining the layout of the competitive sections in the new Complex is also something open to review and would be guided by feedback in the post-show discussions.
“We have a really wonderful Pavilion this year”, Aileen said, “and I want to thank all our stewards and the judges for their support in making this happen.”
Sideshow Alley was booming on the southern side of the complex with two jumping castles, show bags, climbing wall, laser tag, rides and a number of sideshow attractions – all of which appeared to be well patronized.
Vin Remembered
Out on the oval another hub of activity was under way with the Vin Sait Memorial Woodchop, the sheep dog trials, miniature pony classes, the camel ride and truck, land rover and bike displays, plus small engines.
An ever-popular drawcard, the sheep dog trials gave double the money for entertainment when a number of wooly escapees took off through the miniature pony judging course. In scenes reminiscent of the “Keystone Cops” the four-legged fugitives were followed, at a distance, by people and dogs with a ute reinforcement bringing up the rear! (Yes – it could only happen at a country Show!)
Opening
The official Show opening was carried out by Charlton local, Peter Whykes, who commended the committee for its hard work in presenting this year’s event. Buloke Mayor, Cr. Alan Getley also spoke, reinforcing the dedication of the committee and the town’s efforts to keep the Show alive.
The statuesque figures of the Water Drops Stilt and Bubbles roving duo in their shimmering teal and aqua costumes made for a captivating sight, especially for the small children, who squealed with delight as bubbles rained down from on high. Children’s entertainer, Mister Mike and his assistant Ruben also appealed to the younger set, particularly Ruben with his snappy chat and juggling routines involving dangerous objects.
Entries in the Juvenile Section revealed amazingly creative ways of using vegetables and fruit to make recognizable creatures, while Lego and playdough were used in equally imaginative ways to fit the different categories.
Reconnecting
Without doubt the 2023 Show was about community reconnecting – from the big crowd influx early in the day, to the many intergenerational family groups. The excitement of little competitors eager to show off their prize-winning entries, through to the fun antics of the sheaf tossers, the cheeky banter of announcers at the sheep dog trials, and recognition of service for former committee member Vin Sait with the Memorial Wood Chop.
For others, it was a case of “coming home” for the day – to catch up with family and friends, or for another, it was the total surprise of the unheralded arrival of a cousin dropping in from the other side of the state. These all become the treasured memories which make Show Days such a special occasion.
This pictorial coverage touches on other aspects of Charlton’s big day, which ended with music by the band “Yuask” and the popular fireworks display.
The winner of the Show raffle was Robyn George of Charlton.
See all the photos in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 24 October 2023.
