Murray Bridge Show will return this Saturday

This post was contributed by Murray Bridge Agricultural and Horticultural Society’s Michelle Thiele.

After a year off, Murray Bridge Show is back on track.

Preparations are in full swing for the event of the year on the Murraylands’ agricultural and horticultural calendar, and what a show is in store.

This Saturday, September 25 will be the day to grab your hats, water bottle and sunscreen and head on over to the Murray Bridge Showground.

Show society president Geoff Gale said there would be plenty to see.

“Entries are flying in for the pigeon section, which has been in recess for a couple of years; we are excited with the poultry section entries; (so) we should see a fantastic turnout in the pigeon and poultry pavilion,” he said.

“We will welcome back exhibitors in the beef, dairy cattle and dairy goat section, but it is sensational to welcome the mini goats to our event for the first time.”

He was also pleased that the sheep section would return, including the Murraylands School Sheep Challenge, which would give students all around the region a chance to compete in their own dedicated classes.

“It is a great opportunity for schools and students to use the wethers that didn’t make the grade for the Royal Adelaide Show wether competition and give students a chance to learn how to present their sheep for next year,” he said.

“We are very excited to welcome Stuart and Meg Bartlett as convenors of the horse sections; they have pulled together an exciting line-up of regular events and fun events on very short notice.

“The pavilion is continuing to fill up with a fantastic line-up of wool, cookery, photography, art, grain, fodder, jams, pickles, sauces, home brew, fruit, vegetables, floriculture, needlework, machine and hand knitting, crotchet and other craft.”

Something new at this year’s show will be an autism-friendly hour, from 9-10am on Saturday.

Lights and noise will be toned down across the showground to reduce stimulation for visitors who prefer quieter environments, offering a chance to check out the pavilion, trades and machinery before things get busy.

“But it is the horsepower revolution which we think will fill a gaping hole in our show,” Mr Gale said.

“We have racing lawnmowers, the fantastic ute muster, motorbikes, speedway cars, Murray Bridge Auto Collectors, cars from Murray Bridge Cars and Coffee, cars from the Crusing Car Club of SA, a host of extreme horsepower toys, a display of classic, modern and prized prime movers and the Big Orange Heavy Vehicle Retrieval Team from the Truck Factory.

“Just reading the list takes my breath away.”

The grand parade will move to a timeslot earlier in the day, and SA Skydive will perform a team skydive into the middle of the oval.

Negotiations are continuing with the SA Showman’s Guild to bring old favourites and newer attractions to the sideshows and show ride area.

Trade exhibits are rolling in; the show will host the state championships for young judges for merinos, prime sheep, wool, dairy cattle, poultry and the young ambassador and rural ambassador competitions.

Showgoers will be entertained by the Murray Bridge Children’s Choir, Tyndale Christian School, Murray Bridge Community Concert Band, the Power of Dance, Barney Rebel and Jordan Holmes.

In a major win for the region, the award-winning Deadly Nannas will come along as well.

There will be plenty of food, fairy floss and showbags, with activities for kids to participate in.

“We hope the region will enjoy the show as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you”, Mr Gale said.

• More information: Search for the Murray Bridge Show on Facebook, visit www.murraybridgeshow.com.au or the showground office.

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