Ooh, I so adore a country show. They remind me a lot of growing up, when spring meant the start of show season. From the end of August until the last shows of December I’d spend every weekend at a showground somewhere in south-east South Australia or western Victoria, competing on my horses and having a wonderful time.
But I also loved all the other things that shows offered – everything from local trade displays to the hard fought baking and other competitions. The livestock pavilions, with all their smells and noise and sleek animals, were wonderful. Plus there were performances and displays and all sort of things to entertain young and old, and celebrate rural communities. I even liked the sideshows, although not that much. I was far too uncoordinated to win anything. Even the laughing clowns, which for some reason I loved (WHY? everyone knows they’re evil), used to defeat me.
Just up the road from me is the tiny village of Luddenham. Last weekend it hosted its 112th annual show and after saying for the last three years that I really must check it out, this year I did. And what a happy, happy time I had!
Lovely horses, woodchopping, bush poetry, whipcracking, sheepdog trials, poultry, an animal petting zoo, trade displays and more, but what really thrilled me was the number of young families there, enjoying this little taste of country life.
Here are some photos from the day.
The day started with a Poet’s Breakfast which was a lot of fun. Nothing like a recital of The Man From Snowy River to perk your morning up.
Sheep dog trials are always fascinating. This combination did an impressive job with these difficult sheep.
The shearing demonstration, at the end of which the shearer did a very funny bit of sheep hypnotising.
This young lad learned how to crack a whip from his grandfather. Love how Google photos can create gifs like this!
Meanwhile. this fellow learned his whipcracking off YouTube!
In the pavilions we had lovely farm produce…
…and pretty flowers
…decorated gumboots
…art
…photography
…craft
…and cooking. I bet these categories were hard fought.
Outside we had woodchopping. I do love a man who can swing an axe!
And more woodchopping. I so enjoy watching these events. The strength and skill involved is incredible.
Here’s a junior axeman in the making.
What I really came to see – pretty horses!
Pony event judging
Too cute!
Warming up for a working Australian Stock Horse class
Little pony!
As always, the poultry pavilion was a hoot. Chooks are funny.
Meanwhile, in the petting zoo, we had mice…
…and a sweet little donkey
…guinea pigs
…and lots more overfed animals. Not to mention gaggles of overexcited children.
There was also a hugely popular reptile talk and demonstration.
A vintage machinery display.
The Nepean Hunters Club also had a trade stand. Not my thing but I couldn’t resist this pic. Their bow and arrow shooting range was enormously popular.
Why weren’t there bouncy castles like this when I was growing up?
Hope you enjoyed the photos. I certainly enjoyed my day!
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