Jill Chapman, The Riverine Grazier
District rain last week was needed, but the sun on show day is always welcome.
Conditions on Friday night were cool, but patrons all enjoyed the best side show alley for years.
Saturday morning commenced under clear skies, with patrons welcomed at the gate by members of the Hay Youth Taskforce and Kylie Brettschneider, who diligently managed gate operations throughout much of the day.
In the horse rings, more than 30 entrants competed, with judges once again commending the calibre of horses presented. Although the number of market stalls, both indoors and outdoors, was reduced this year, the day was marked by resounding success.
Local stallholders contributed greatly to the vibrant atmosphere, and 2HayFM provided live coverage, sharing stories and updates during the day.
The Country Capital Woodchopping team attracted substantial crowds at each demonstration, thanks to generous support from sponsors Lugsdin Toyota, Wooloondol Farms, Prolop Tree Services, Willshear Hay and Crighton Cranes.
The Fizzics Education Tent captivated audiences of all ages, while popular attractions such as face painting and the Old Kentucky Animal Nursery received enthusiastic attention.
After a hiatus of several years, the poultry shed reopened, featuring a display by Meaghan Beswick Taylor and her daughter Ruby Cleary from Balranald Central School.
The shed welcomed many visitors, and the show society looks forward to its continued presence in future events.
Pavilion Manager Felicity Maynard reported a lower participation in some categories; however, the wool section remained robust, with 49 fleeces submitted this year.
Barratta claimed the Champion Flock Fleece for the second consecutive year, and this winning fleece will advance to the RAS/AgShows NSW Fleece competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Adverse weather prior to the show impacted fresh flower entries, though the artificial and dried arrangement class saw exceptional submissions.
Kerry Haidy of Purple Petal Gifts conducted a floral arranging demonstration before inviting eight contestants to create their own arrangements using the materials provided.
Fiona Beckwith was awarded first place, with Kristi Turner securing second.
Kel Bradley earned the Champion Pot Plant Exhibit with an outstanding Bonsai entry, with Eliza Maynard claiming Champion Bloom of the Show.
Cookery Steward Sue Martin noted entry numbers were down but highlighted the impressive quantity and quality of sponge cakes submitted.
The newly introduced Best High School Student Decorated Cake category was won by Marley Sorensen, with Taylah Moore and Brody Stringer placing second and third, respectively.
Jill Chapman achieved Champion Overall Cookery Exhibit with her AgShows NSW Rich Fruit Cake.
In the jams and preserves division, Adam Hall’s smoky tomato chilli sauce garnered the judges’ attention with its notable heat.
Hay Show 2025
Kay Gibbs was awarded the Jeni Japp Memorial Champion Craft Exhibit for her crocheted rug, with Cheryl Marmont’s mosaic awarded the Most Outstanding Handicraft.
Steward Heather Jackson was encouraged by strong participation from high school students in woodwork and metalwork, and the quilt entries maintained a high standard.
The Patchers & Quilters of the Hay Plains showcased quilts destined for donation to the McFarland Wing. Although knitting and crocheting entries were less than last year, their quality remained consistent.
The Photography section was smaller this year, likely due to no longer having access to commercial photo printing in Hay.
Nevertheless, Lani Houston’s image of her dog Sylvie on the Murrumbidgee River earnt the Champion Amateur Photo of the Show.
This photo will be entered in to the South Western Group’s regional photography judging in January.
Children from Hay Children’s Services provided growing support for this category.
Mrs Maynard extended her gratitude to all pavilion class participants, highlighting the engagement of many first-time entrants.
The contributions of local schools in handwriting, arts, and crafts were commended, with a notable increase in entries from the High School.
Ongoing participation from the Hay Girl Guides across numerous sections was acknowledged, and the Show Society expressed its appreciation for the continued leadership of Shirley Hajek.
The final attendance figures are yet to be confirmed, but the committee expresses satisfaction with the strong support shown by the community.
The invaluable contributions of volunteers remain central to the success of the event, with many individuals dedicating their time throughout show week.
Sincere appreciation is extended to Eliza Maynard and her colleague Carly for their assistance in the pavilion, as well as to 2023 Hay Show Young Woman Emma Johnston and Sydney-based 2025 Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Cassie Bush, both of who supported various competitions on the day.
Gratitude is also due to Cathy Millyard for her commentary during the competitions and to Geoff Chapman for his ongoing commitment to ensuring smooth operations in the Pavilion and across the grounds.
The efforts of Stewards and their assistants, whether in the horse rings, pavilion, or at the gates, are fundamental to delivering the show year after year.
Despite the committee’s modest size, planning is already underway for the 152nd Hay Show in 2026.
See all the pictures from the event in the issue.
This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 17 September 2025.
