It was a real country show last weekend, showcasing our town and region, something everyone feels proud to call their own. The 122nd Bellingen Show was preceded by a week of good weather, and the preparation of the grounds by the army of volunteers ensured a well-set-up show. Perfect weather throughout drew very large crowds, swelling through the mornings and into the afternoons.

At 4pm all was still in full swing, the kids clearly reluctant to leave. So much to see and do.The ring, always a focus, was busy both days. Wonderfully prepared horses and cattle obediently formed the Essential Energy Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon, overlooked by the large official party.

The show was formally opened by both Zoe Sparks, Bellingen High School vice-captain with a number of years involvement with the show, and Bob Braithwaite OAM.

Following a warm welcome by Uncle Tom, Barbara Weaver’s splendid voice led everyone in the National Anthem.

The major trophy winners were announced during the Grand Parade, MCed by Show Society President Rick Maunder, who thanked everyone for their wonderful support, particularly sponsors.

A number of innovations were added to this year’s show. One of these, the Decorated Gum Boot competition, attracted a large number of entries. There were some very imaginative

interpretations of this new art form. Two others were Shannon’s Insurance Super Rig, and Guess the Weight of the Bull. Frank, the bull, attracted many a guess.

The produce pavilion was brimming with quality handicrafts, flowers, fruit and vegetables.

A constant stream of attendees examined and commented on these and the cooking entries.

The artwork entered in the EJ Mantova Art Prize showcased the prodigious talent typical of this region. Photography entries too attracted considerable interest.

The entertainment tent was a showcase of musical talent throughout.

Choral, instrumental and dancing demonstrations attracted enthusiastic audiences.

On Saturday the Barefoot Fiddlers were quite a novelty, as were the Cuban Salsa and the belly dancers. Students from Bellingen High School and the three local primary schools gave spirited performances. So much diverse talent to admire.

Wood Chopping on Saturday attracted much attention. The skill and speed of the axemen attacking the bloodwood blocks was much admired.

Competitors were well-prepared. Those who manned the PA systems around and throughout the show kept both us and the competitors well informed.

Sideshow alley was a slow starter, but parents couldn’t keep denying the kids all the usual fun of a country show, and soon there was a lot of activity, from the traditional to the more recent ride opportunities such as the giant clear plastic balls kids could get in and ‘ride’ on the water.

The Snake Man and Old MacDonald’s Farm had a constant audience of enthusiastic children too.

The ladies in the lunch room were kept busy serving wholesome lunches, and there were plenty of opportunities around the grounds for all kinds of food to suit all tastes. Static displays by the local primary schools were both innovative and impressive.

Next door the Men’s Shed and nearby the Blacksmiths were action displays, and attracted much interest.

The Mongrel Dog Show drew a crowd and competitors who very much entered into the spirit of the event which was clever, imaginative, and fun. But the peak of the Sunday entertainment was another first for the show – Floats on Wheels. First came the Decorated Bikes, full of colour. Then a long procession of sparkling vintage cars.

The Floats were many and varied, from motorised wheelchair to a very long dragon boat. It was a very lively and sometimes interactive event.

Crowds, sometimes three deep, lined the rails and clapped and cheered enthusiastically.

The colour, the noise, the movement and the smells were all full on.

The warm sunshine seemed to draw people out and encourage the full experience of a real country Show. That it went so very well is clearly of great satisfaction to the large band of volunteers, the hard work of the secretary and her team, and the vision of the members of the Bellinger River Agricultural Show Society.

What a great weekend’s entertainment.