It’s show season, which means the region gets to explore the very best their town has on offer.
Returning for their 163rd year on March 21, the Yass Show will return to the Yass Showgrounds to showcase the agricultural program.
With a focus on “championing our incredible Yass Valley region”, Yass Show Society President, Anne Hazell, says the show is an affordable family day out with things to do and see available for all ages.
“Returning to the show this year is the hotly contested dog high jump and pet competition, giant pumpkin competition and the decorated wheelbarrow competition.”
This year will also see several free activities for kids, such as an adventure slide, rock climbing wall, face painting, a magician, balloons and an animal petting nursery.
“It’s a good value day out,” says Anne. “A family of five for $25, that’s pretty good these days.”
For anyone seeking action, the day won’t be short in entertainment, with their shearing competition, woodchopping, yard dog trials, horse events, championship dog show, poultry, cattle, merino, British breeds and black/coloured sheep judging on show throughout the event.
This year, the prize money for the woodchopping event has doubled to a total of $4825. The ‘Bird of Show’ prize money in the poultry section has also increased to a total of $500.
A traditional agricultural show, Anne says it is their commitment to continuing the tradition that makes them stand out.
“We traditionally get very strong numbers in the agricultural side,” she says.
“But there’s also lots for kids in terms of things they can enter.”
Alongside the traditional Pavilion exhibit entrants (such as jams and preserves, needlecraft, handicrafts, honey, art, fruit and vegetables, plants and flowers), the Yass Show will also play host to LEGO judging, junior handicrafts and decorated wheelbarrows.
“We’ve changed the fruit and veg [judging] this year to open it to the schools and juniors [so they] can competed for the champion ribbons, so there’s some more incentive,” says Anne.
“For a long time, there was nothing for kids to enter if they weren’t into horses, but now there’s poultry, cooking, fruit and veg, painting and all sorts of LEGO, which is always well supported.
“We are trying to get the juniors involved in shows and agriculture.”
Although the main show will occur on Saturday, 21 March, there will be two full days of competition with free entry available on the Sunday to see the showjumping.
“We’ve found that formula seems to work quite well and it keeps our costs down so that we can make it more affordable,” says Anne.
For anyone wishing to compete in any of their competitions, Anne says the best place to look is on their website for cut off dates.
Alongside the traditional elements of a good country show, visitors will also be treated to a wide range of local food venders as well local market stalls to scratch a shopping itch.
“We also have a number of community groups coming with their stands to talk to people about what they do,” she says.
Applications for food and stallholders are still open for anyone wishing to join in the fun.
Working machinery, antique cars and commercial exhibitors will also be spread across the showgrounds.
“It’s a community event from the community for the community,” says Anne.
Run by volunteers, she says there’s always room for more, regardless of skill set.
“We can find something for you to do, and it’s a great way to get involved and meet other people in your community,” she says.
The Yass Showgrounds’ grandstand is still undergoing a major restoration project (which is being funded by the Australian Government through their Investing in Our Communities Program), and as such will not be available for public use.
The photography competition has also seen a change and will be presented as an online photography competition.
For more information, visit the Yass Show website at yassshow.org.au.
– Elizabeth Kovacs
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