The Kiama Show has once again attracted crowds and competitors from near and far for the historical 170th running of the show.
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READ MORE: Christie Arthur named 2018 Kiama Showgirl
“With 170 years in existence, it is a pretty special time,” Kiama Show Society president Michael Brennan said.
“Once again the exhibits have all been good, with quality cattle and an excellent pavilion and wood chop section – all the parts that go into running a local show.”
Mr Brennan shared his thoughts as to why the pavilion displays were always popular with visitors.
“I think it’s because you can have exhibits from children to over 80 year olds,” he said.
“It’s an important part and showcases the special skills everyone has.”
The show kicked off on Friday with showjumping, horse ring events and cattle judging.
Jamberoo’s Grace McGlinchey, who’s family has been taken part in the Kiama Show for four generations, sailed through the first heat of the showjumping with ease.
“It’s great to have so much support here in Kiama,” she said.
“There’s definitely a bit more pressure when it’s your local show.”
Gerringong's Christie Arthur was named the 2018 Kiama Showgirl on Friday evening.
Miss Arthur said she was honoured to receive the sash.
“It is such a prestigious competition in terms of the Kiama community and the agricultural community as a whole,” she said.
“My main goal is to build my confidence, but I also want to take on a role in community leadership to help build the community and show for young people.
“We have a wonderful backbone of older members and I want to bring a backup team in so we have younger people to bring in some new ideas.”
Some of Miss Arthur’s fondest childhood memories of the Kiama Show are of sideshow alley.
“That’s always the best part as a kid, which is a shame I think because it is all you remember from such a wonderful show, which is more than just the rides,” she said.
“I also remember the photography competition, I guess it was the landscapes around Gerringong, Gerroa and Kiama – just seeing your area through someone else’s eyes always makes it so much more magical, and it makes you appreciate where you live so much more.”
Miss Arthur will now represent Kiama at The Land Showgirl Zone 2 competition in March.
On Saturday, the crowd was kept entertained by a bullock team presentation by Tomerong’s Ron McKinnon, mini trot races, the wood chop competition and headline act Rooftop Express, who thrilled spectators with their wild west outback spectacular.
READ MORE: Christie Arthur named 2018 Kiama Showgirl
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