A respectful silence fell across the Grafton Showground on the weekend as the Grafton Show Society commemorated Anzac Day with a small ceremony in the main arena.
Photo: Emma Pritchard
Rides were temporarily closed to showgoers and Sideshow Alley ceased operating at 2pm on April 25 while the courage, spirit, and ultimate sacrifice made by so many Australians during World War I (WWI) was acknowledged by all in attendance.
President of the Grafton Show Society Rex Green said Anzac Day is a time for everyone to come together in unity and pay their respects in honour of the countless soldiers who so bravely fought for their country.
Many never made it home.
In a moving tribute to the Northern Rivers Lancers 15th Light Horse Regiment and the unique bonds shared between soldiers and their horses, several riders and their mounts, each one regally dressed in WWI attire, stood to attention in the main arena during the ceremony.
Showgoers joined members of the Grafton Show Society in bowing their heads and observing one minute’s silence before Pam Hata and Maneesha Davis stepped forward to perform the New Zealand and Australian national anthems respectively.
Lest We Forget.
See the full coverage of ANZAC Day from across the district in the issue.
This article appeared in Clarence Valley Independent, 1 May 2026.
