The 137th Annual Nhill Show is now done for another 12 months and boy, what a show it was. The day started out perfectly with a beautiful sunrise and crisp morning.
The horse floats started rolling in and this was the first time this event had been conducted since 2019, so with 38 entries, it was exciting to look over the oval and see beautifully groomed horses and their owners. They were the first event for “Fashions on the Field 2023”. A huge thank you to Donna Burns and Jenny Morgan and all the helpers for the days.
The trade site area was filled with big machinery, field bins and even a semi-trailer. The food van did a great trade for the day and side show alley had a constant buzz.
The animal nursery was filled with cute and cuddly animals, with the new farm scene competition being well supported.
The show was officially opened at 2pm by local Wayne “Duck” Donell, with Bailee White being awarded Junior Rural Ambassador.
The winners of the Show Patron Competition were: 2-yearold to kinder boys Hunter-Alexande, girls 2-year-old to kinder – Ruby Lynch. Prep to Year 2 Girls – Charlotte Koop, Boys; Connor Borgelt. Year 3 to Year 6; Boys: Clayton Hiscock Girls Year 3–6 Stella Schnaars and Young Casual Teenager – Rachel Shurdington.
The Freeman and Ladies Pavilion showcased the amazing talent that we have within this community, with over 1800 entries received over all sections, which is a real credit to the community.
The grand parade featured Chrysler / Valiants this year, with the Clydesdale carriage carrying some of the winners from the Junior Show Patron competition.
The evening started off with entertainment by The Austins and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
The committee would like to thank gate volunteers, stewards, judges, donors of prizes, advertisers, Hindmarsh Equestrian Club, exhibit entrants, Errol Laverty, Nhill Lutheran School P&F, the trade site holders, Bron & Steve Zanker and family, Nhill Dimboola Brass band, the various groups & individuals that participated in the grand parade, the Nhill Vintage Club & the shearing volunteers who run and work behind the scenes.
A huge thank you to all our sponsors, especially Westvic Spares, Ahrens Group & Nutrien Ag, as their ongoing support has made this event possible.
John Rethus drives a Massey Ferguson, Hunter Alexander, Sideshow Alley.
Photos: Contributed
President of Nhill A & P Society Darrell Hall said, “We had a successful day; everything we had organised went ahead and went to plan; we had the grand parade, lot of entries on the horses, the fireworks were a hit, majority of the pavilions were full and up on entries. It was a warm day, and the Lutheran School’s P & F group did a great job with the luncheon and afternoon tea, especially with the air conditioning in the Young Farmers Pavilion.
All the trade displays were well supported and gave them an opportunity to chat with the farmers. Everything went to plan: good display with the farm scenes–that was a new category and was well supported.
Animal Nursery was fantastic again. To all the volunteers and committee members, they do a power of work to have the annual show we have. Nhill Show is a credit to the community and how it all comes together on the day.” Concluded Darrell.
The Virtual Reality Grain Arcade was a great addition amongst the big machinery.
Finally, a big thank you to President Darrell Hall and all the committee members who have put in an astounding amount of volunteer hours throughout the year and leading up to the show, everyone’s contribution has given the community an amazing show, which all of Nhill should be very proud of. See you all in 2024 for the 138th Annual Show.
See the event gallery in the issue.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 25 October 2023.
