Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A record-high of over 5,500 people stampeded through the gates of Ayr Showgrounds last Wednesday for what was described as the most “community-spirited” Burdekin Show to date.
This year’s iteration continued a longstanding local tradition dating back to 1909, treating locals and visitors to a full day of agricultural displays, family entertainment, and classic showground attractions.
Burdekin Show Committee vice-president Brendan Kolb said this year’s show smashed committee expectations.
“We keep saying it's going to get bigger and better each year. This year, we definitely saw that happen,” Mr Kolb said.
“Between food vendors, the Sideshow Alley, all the entertainment, the general public … it was definitely as big as I’ve ever seen it.”
Different to previous editions, the Show Committee centred this year’s show on community involvement, with several participant-driven activities throughout the day.
Mr Kolb called the gamble a “big success,” pointing to almost 2,000 entrants in the main hall exhibit displays and strong participation in the Mini Ring from both locals and visitors from abroad.
“It was definitely a big success—we had a lot of crowd involvement, everyone was cheering and it created a really good atmosphere,” he said.
“People liked that there was something for everyone, young and old.
“A particular thanks to our local backpackers, they really got into it. It was really good to see them getting into the Burdekin’s style of fun.”
He mentioned the Stockman’s Challenge as one of the day’s highlights, alongside the “spectacular" dog high jump event.
“I've never seen a dog high-jump before, and I've got to tell you, it was pretty spectacular to watch,” he said.
The event culminated in the Show’s customary firework display, drawing to a close one of its most successful iterations to date.
Mr Kolb especially thanked everyone involved in bringing the show together, including sponsors.
“Without them, we would not be able to put on on a show,” he said.
The Show committee now turns its attention to the year of preparation ahead, says Kolb.
“We start planning pretty much straight away,” he laughed,
“We’ve now got the base down, we got a lot of positive feedback this year. Now we just have to expand it from there.”
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