Country spirit celebrated at 2026 Mannum Show

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Families, farmers, and visitors have gathered at the Mannum Showgrounds for this year’s Mannum Show, with competitions, exhibits, stalls and entertainment creating a vibrant celebration of country life and community spirit.

The show is run by the dedicated volunteers of the Mannum Agricultural Society, supported by community groups such as the Lions Club, SA Ambulance Service, local bands, stallholders and many other helpers who work behind the scenes to make the day a success.

This year’s show, on Saturday, featured more than a dozen programs and competitions, from horses and livestock judging to knitting, photography, art, craft, cooking and even a ute muster, offering something for everyone.

Show society secretary Sharon Steward has devoted the past 20 years to serving the community.

“Due to the long weekend, the stallholders are not as many as last year, but we still have about 50,” she said.

“Compared to previous years, we have new programs this year, including high jump dog and working sheep dog demonstrations.”

Among the exhibition sections, the craft display carries a special family story.

Ms Steward introduced her daughter, Madison Trainor, who has been convening the craft section for more than five years, taking over the role after her grandmother, Irene Lovell, passed away.

Ms Lovell was a long-time volunteer and leader who served the Mannum Show for more than 20 years, and was also involved with Mannum Progress activities, helping organise major local events including the Truck and Ute Show.

Her legacy of volunteerism continues to inspire the town.

Stallholders from across the region helped create a lively market atmosphere, offering everything from handmade crafts to local products and food.

Among them were Mannum’s very own distillery owners, Ben and Robert Roylance, showcasing their award-winning spirits.

“We won a bronze medal in 2023, three bronze medals in 2024, and a silver medal in 2024,” Robert said.

“Mannum is a small town, but that doesn’t mean we don’t make great stuff.”

Another stallholder, Mark Rose from Port Elliot, who makes his own bee products, said he enjoyed attending the event.

“I like coming to this show – all the volunteers are helpful, and they run the event smoothly,” he said.

Entertainment also kept the crowd engaged throughout the day.

The band Shaking the Blues performed on stage, with many members volunteering their time to support the community event.

“Because this whole show is run by volunteers, we like to help as well,” said band member Andrew.

A popular highlight was the motorcycle trials performance by Adrian Harry from Xtreme Trials Show, who thrilled crowds with precision riding and crowd interaction.

He regularly performs at country events across Australia, bringing freestyle motorcycle entertainment to audiences large and small.

“I love coming here and showing people what trial riding is all about,” Mr Harry said.

“I also hope to inspire more people to get outdoors and enjoy physical activities instead of spending too much time inside with screens.”

For local photographers, the show also provided an opportunity to showcase talent.

Paul “Jubba” Smith, judging the photography competition for the first time, admitted to feeling both excited and nervous. 

“I actually feel nervous since this is my first time, but I’m also happy to be here,” he said.

Community volunteers were busy throughout the day, including members of the Lions Club, who assisted visitors and helped run parts of the event.

“You know we are Lions – we serve our community whenever needed,” said volunteer Sandy. 

Volunteers from the SA Ambulance Service also attended the show.

Representatives Emma and Caleb said they often took part in community gatherings when they were available in the region, and hoped their presence would inspire others to consider volunteering. 

“We love coming out to community events like this – it helps people see what we do and encourages more people to think about volunteering,” Emma said.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed the show.

Six-year-old student Liam, from Mannum Community College, attended with his mum Bec and proudly held a little chick.

 “This is my favourite today!” Liam said.

Bec added that since moving to Mannum from Canada about three years ago, she brought him to the show every year because of his love for animals.

Also enjoying the day were Dawn and Ken, Mannum locals, whose daughter Verity had travelled from the Uluru region with her two sons to visit her parents.

Enjoying the relaxed country atmosphere, the family said the Mannum Show was a wonderful way to experience a local South Australian community event.

“My husband Ken is playing on the stage – he’s a member of our local band, Shaking the Blues,” Dawn said.

International visitors also enjoyed the festivities.

Yan, visiting from China and staying with her son Beni in Gawler, came to Mannum to experience both a Marion cruise and the Mannum Show.

“I come from Xianyang in Shaanxi Province – we don’t have this kind of show,” she said.

“It’s so new and fun to me.

“I took many photos and will make a video to share with my family and friends in China when I get back.” 

With animal displays, competitions, stalls and entertainment throughout the showgrounds, the Mannum Show once again proved to be a celebration of country life and strong community connection.

“The most challenging part is volunteers, especially young ones, and sponsors,” said show president Jennipher Vivian.

“We hope to have more young people join us.”

• Volunteer at or sponsor next year’s show: Email secretary@mannumshow.org.