The 2023 Narromine Show returned with a bang on the first weekend in September, wowing crowds with events, competitions, and a packed entertainment program. 

Now in its 118th year, the two-day show at the Narromine Showgrounds featured a judging day for exhibits and opening evening function for sponsors on September 1, and events, rides and entertainment for the public at “people’s day” on September 2. 

 

The Narromine Agricultural Show Society welcomed sponsors on the opening night of the show to thank them for their support. Society president, Paul Purvis, stressed the importance of local organisations and individuals supporting the annual show.

Without it, there literally would not be a show, he said. 

“We can’t have a show without sponsors and we appreciate everyone, no matter how big or small your sponsorship is,” he told those gathered, prior to presenting certificates of appreciation.  

PHOTO: Karen Saunders (centre) opens the show on September 1. Pictured with Narromine Agricultural Show Society secretary Cassie Brewer (left) and president Paul Purvis (right). Photo: S Bonthuys. 

The 118th Narromine Show was formally opened by Karen Saunders, wife of the Member for Dubbo electorate, Dugald Saunders MP, who was unable to attend. 

Mrs Saunders congratulated Mr Purvis and the Narromine Agricultural Show Society team for their work in planning and staging the show. 

“During my time in regional NSW I’d never really experienced what country shows were like until I came to the central west. For me, I’ve just been blown away,” Mrs Saunders said.  

Mrs Saunders praised the participation of people of all ages in the show, particularly older people passing on their knowledge and skills to the younger generations following through.  

She also paid tribute to the volunteers who make the show happen and said that country shows like this were an important part of the fabric of local communities.  

With entry tickets available online ahead of the event, Mr Purvis said he was unsure of just how many had been pre-purchased. But he hoped for a good turnout at the people’s day with the predicted good weather.  

People’s day at the show started at 8.00 am on September 2 with yard dog trials and ended in the evening with fireworks and a band.

Events through the day included a “speed shear”, dog high jump and dachshund dash, freestyle motorbike stunts, a farmer’s challenge requiring teams of four to navigate a series of tasks and obstacles in the fastest time, a junior quest for children and tiny tots, tractor pull, smash up derby and grand parade.  

PHOTO: Kids enjoyed the range of showbags on offer. Photo: S. Bonthuys. 

Pavilion exhibits included art and craft, photography, produce, flowers, fancy work, wool, cooking, preserves, jams and pickles.

In the neighbouring poultry pavilion there were some very colourful – and loud – living exhibits.

Fun for the kidlets at the show included rock climbing, an animal nursery, showbags by the bucketful, and of course, rides galore in the popular sideshow alley.  

PHOTO: Sideshow alley was popular at the Narromine Show. Photo: S Bonthuys. 

Machinery displays at the entry to the show included tractors, ride on mowers and the Narromine Rescue Squad also displayed its vehicles.

Patrons were well catered for on the day, with vendors providing pizzas, lamb rolls and a host of traditional show fare. Narromine’s 25 Club also managed the Tea Rooms on site for those seeking something a bit different. 

Show veteran Heather McIntyre had several items entered in the cooking and flower competitions and was pleased with both the turnout to the show and in the overall competition entries which fielded more participants than last year. 

“It’s good to see all the entries this year,” she said, modest about her own personal successes in the cooking, jam and flower categories. “I’ve had a good day.” 

PHOTO: Grand champion in her category, Karen Shearwood. Photo S. Bonthuys. 

Another modest category winner was Karen Shearwood whose gorgeous pink smock made for granddaughter Brydee, 13 months, was declared grand champion of the show in her category.  

“It’s a bit nice,” said Mrs Shearwood, another show veteran who has volunteered with the event for about 40 years. “I’ve been doing this a long time now.” 

Congratulations to the Show Society on a successful Narromine Show.