For such an important occasion as the official opening of the Bellingen Agricultural Show, it is conventional to have someone special to do the honours.
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This year it will be well-known Bellingen resident and longstanding show volunteer, Elaine Leader, who for 20 years has been ringmaster and announcer for the equestrian events.
At the official opening, Elaine will also be presented with the Royal Australian Show Society of NSW's highest honour for a regional show official.
The award, which comes in the form of a medal, recognises and celebrates the contribution regional agricultural shows have made not only to Australian agriculture but also to their local communities.
It also acknowledges and honours the outstanding work an individual has done for and with a local Show Society over a long period of time, to ensure the viability and relevance of their local agricultural show.
Elaine's award will be presented by RAS senior delegate, Mr Charles Hook.
Bellingen Show Society President, Ted Greenwood, said this will be a proud moment.
"Elaine Leader is an exceptionally well qualified person for this award. She began her involvement in shows as a young competitor in equestrian events and followed this up by becoming a senior instructor in the Bellingen Pony Club.
"At this time, she became a member of the Bellingen Show Society and organiser of the equestrian events at the show. She held the position of ringmaster for twenty years, was treasurer for some time, and is currently vice president of the Bellingen Show Society.
"For a number of years, she has been the very popular announcer for the equestrian events at both Bellingen and Dorrigo Shows. Elaine was always there to help, whatever the task, to ensure the success of the show."
