BUT SHOW RECORDS BROKEN

The Kiama Showgirl winner Pip Yabsley (second from left) is flanked by Renee Jeffcott, Rachael McBeath, Cassie Rogers and Liz Wilson.

DESPITE chilly strong winds on Saturday afternoon that kept crowds home, Kiama Show had another record-breaking show last weekend.

Gate takings were the highest ever, according to show treasurer Vic East.

"The Friday gates were up 5000 people, Mr East told the Kiama Independent.

We attribute this to the Australia Day holiday, great weather, and our growing popularity due to the fun family oriented program."

Saturday's gate was down, which was disappointing as the scene was set to have a record breaker on both days, but the blustering and cold winds made it difficult and uncomfortable for spectators and competitors.

Some of the horse events had to be cancelled as the wind affected the horses.

However, the show committee soldiered on and the entertainment program went ahead as planned.

President Greg Chittick was thrilled with the success of the show.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my first year as president, he said.

I had more opportunity, in this role, to meet people who come to the show as visitors, exhibitors and spectators and it was great to hear the positive feedback about the Kiama Show.

It seems we are attracting more and more exhibitors and families from within and outside the area because the Kiama Show has a reputation as a friendly, happy agricultural show a place where kids can get up close to what's happening and enjoy experiencing a bit of rural life."

In the pavilion there were many new exhibitors.

Chief Pavilion Steward, Geoff Brain, said the judges commented on the high standard of exhibits in numerous sections.

The vegetables and flower displays were amazing considering the drought, Mr Brain said.

The photography section showed increased interest with entries well up on last year.

The horse section also experienced an increase in numbers in both the show jumping and ring classes.

Highlight

A highlight was Andrew Ingliss winning the Gordon Noble Memorial Show jump.

Andrew is a well known show jumper and has jumped at Kiama for many years but this is the first time he has won this class at Kiama, David Chittick, Chief Horse steward, said.

Another highlight in the horse section was the good showing of the heavy horses or Clydesdales.

The Illawarra Cattle section also had increased numbers.

Cattle Steward, Percy Chittick said the numbers were pleasing as the Illawarras were the feature breed of cattle at the Kiama Show.

This is the only Australian breed of dairy cattle and Kiama is its birthplace.

Showgirls

The difficult decision in the Showgirl Competition was finally made on Friday night when it was announced that the winner was Pip Yabsley and the runner-up was Rachael McBeath.

Pip will now go on to represent Kiama at the next level of the competition.

The Show Society would like to thank all the showgirl entrants for participating in the 2007 Kiama Show.

The only disappointment throughout the show was that the grandstand was unable to be used for the second year.

Not having use of the grandstand meant that patrons experienced limited areas to sit and relax, less protection from the blustering southerly and were therefore unable to fully enjoy the show judging and entertainment.

With our show growing each year suitable facilities for show patrons are a must.

The plans for the 2008 Kiama Show are already underway and the show committee is as enthusiastic as ever.