IT’S on again for the 100th time!

Stroud Show is a hub well known for its agriculture, eccentric contests and community spirit.

The Stroud Show Committee has announced their centenary celebrations will be held on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 April 2021 at the Stroud Showground.

The good news is that COVID-19 will not stop the celebrations.

While this year’s Show may look a little different from previous – including pre-purchased tickets, social distancing and
a cap on visitor numbers – preparations are well underway and organisers are expecting to run a full program, with an extended camp draft schedule to debut on the new arena.

“As a signature Show for the region, we are excited to be bringing the Stroud Show back in 2021.

“We are 100 years old and still going strong even in pandemic conditions.

“A comprehensive Covid-19 safety plan has been developed by the Committee, which strictly aligns with the State Government Guidelines.

“The guidelines will be closely monitored and the safety plan will be adapted as needed,” said Stroud Show President and Zone 3 Delegate for ASC, James Harris.

The two day Show will offer visitors acres of activities and exhibitors to see and do in the great outdoors, including the speedy fence post splitting competition, the ute muster, wife carrying comp, demolition derby, animal nursery and a variety of amusements rides.

While in the ring, equine enthusiasts will delight with the stallions, colts, mares and fillies on display and competing in their various disciplines of show jumping, hacking, equestrian and show ring.

Over in the pavilion, the farm produce is a sight to be seen with oversized pumpkin, zucchini and watermelon revealed.

The annual Stroud Show will also showcase incomparable livestock, products and produce from the Stroud Valley region and beyond, giving a true feel of what life in this real country town has to offer.

The Dungog Chronicle of April 10, 1921 reported that the first Stroud Show raised 150 pounds, which were contributed to the towns’ WWI Memorial with over 1,000 attendees at the first show.

Stroud Show President, James Harris told News Of The Area, “We are expecting attendance to break records and when you put something on now people are coming from all over the place to compete.“

He is confident that the committee will be able to put on a whole show.

Tickets will be available on line to attend the show and tickets will be available within a week or two.

The State Government has mandated 5,000 people at any one time excluding volunteers.

The funds from ticket sales go back into the showground and local charities.

There will be a new multipurpose pavilion opened at this show with two commercial kitchens.

The Camp Draft will now have a dedicated extended area and a separate area for the popular demolition derby.

There will be 650-700 camp draft runs held in the new space which will see more people able to compete.

“Kids are free on Saturday and $20 for adults with Fridays only $10 making a day at the show a great affordable family day,” he said.

Among the performances for the centenary show there will be Catherine Britt and the Viper Creek Band.

 

By Marian SAMPSON