In a concerted effort to reach a wider audience, show officials have increased the number and breadth of attractions and tweaked the two-day program to achieve a constant flow of attractions.

“Our aim is to present and promote aspects for life, commerce and activities on the Plateau in ways which are attractive to the widest possible audience base,” a show society spokesperson said.

The 2015 show will run on Saturday, Saturday evening and Sunday.

A Championship Dog Show, returning this year, is attracting entries from across the region.

“Entries have been coming in from owners and breeders who love to show their animals,” the society spokesperson said.

“And dog shows always are keen drawcards for pet owners, families and, especially, children.”

Show jumping is back on the program for Dorrigo 2015 and there will be a pigeon display on Sunday.

Tent pegging will bring a strong flavour of empire and the British Raj when it makes its first appearance at the show.

This is a highly skilled activity involving horse and rider at full gallop, where competitors are required to pluck a small timber slat from the ground using a lance or sword.

Tent pegging was a particular favourite of cavalrymen during the British occupation of the Indian subcontinent. It is now an international sport with regular national and world championships.

Show officials are providing special entertainment on Saturday to bridge the daytime activities and the night’s fireworks spectacular.

Part of this is a mechanical bull that challenges any showgoer, male or female, to test their riding skills or just their ability to hang on for dear life.

A key attraction to Dorrigo 2015 is the always popular Ute Challenge, an activity guaranteed to promote interest in any country area of Australia.

Expect to find utes of every make and style: classy, bush-bound, fitted out or just run down.

Thanks to sponsors SHRQuarry and Geoff King Motors, ute owners will be competing for a prize of $1000 and competition is expected to be strong.

Livestock of all types is a major attraction at the Dorrigo Show.

The showground boasts one of the most picturesque parade areas in NSW.

Competition will be keen in the dairy and beef sections, especially for Jersey, Friesian and Angus cattle.

Showing in horse classes will occupy much of Saturday’s ring events.

Underhand, standing block and tree felling will draw axemen from many parts of the North Coast and beyond.

The bond among axemen is strong and competitors are always keen to support any wood-chopping events.

For the casual visitor and photographer the tree felling is not to be missed.

More details at www.dorrigoshow.org.au

The 2015 Dorrigo Show will be officially opened by Chairman of the Norco Board and a dairy farmer near Lismore, Greg McNamara.

Norco, manufacturer of a large range of milk-related products, was established by early settlers in 1895 and has grown to be one of the largest companies of its type in Australia.

Mr McNamara will address showgoers before the grand parade about 2 pm on Saturday.

In addition to the normal activities and attractions there will be a focus on dairy throughout the show, including: cooking demonstrations; special exhibitions; dairy-specific competitions for all ages and competencies; and cheesecake,

The show will include an additional event specifically organised for dairy and other farmers on the plateau.

From 12.30pm to 1.30pm Saturday there will be special presentations:

- Lorraine Gordon, CEO of Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast, speaking on succession planning and farm model options

- Julie Dart, Senior Lands Services Officer, Agriculture and Local Land Services lecturing on weed management

- There will be two new industry-related trade stands, Advanced Farm Systems and Rural Product Marketing, as well as regular trade stands.

“This year we are encouraging show goers, especially families, to take advantage of membership of the society,” a spokesperson said.

“Apart from our very generous family package of $40 for a family of six other membership entry rates are: one adult for both days just $20, pensioners, $10, and students $10.

“One of the main attractions of our show is the great variation we offer: competition sections from pumpkins to poultry, from beef cattle to cabbages and we offer many areas for young people.”

A feature of the show will be the announcement of the winner of the Dorrigo Show Girl Competition organised by the current show girl, Ashlee Follett.

The competition has attracted six candidates, three each in the senior and junior sections.