Huge crowd enjoys 170th Toodyay Show on a perfect day
Toodyay Agricultural Society
Alison Wroth
ONE THING a country town needs is an event that brings individuals and businesses together.
One of those special events, our historic 170th Anniversary Toodyay Agricultural Show occurred on Saturday October 5.
Gate numbers of over 5000, the smiles and constant activity showed the committee
efforts had been worthwhile – put your hand up if you agree.
We are very proud of our history and since the Society’s establishment in 1853, the iconic Toodyay Agricultural Show has played a key role in our community and we always aim to celebrate this.
A sight to remember this year was the WA Governor, Chris Dawson and Mrs Dawson,
arriving in a vintage Stutz car; with TAS President Ms Karen Dore, guided by three
well known locals on vintage motorbikes.
Life member Mrs Kerry Knowles as MC introduced the Welcome to Country and the Governor’s Opening of the Toodyay Show.
Followed by the presentation of the handcrafted 170th Anniversary Quilt by
representatives from local quilting groups who made the showstopper.
As the Governor viewed the Showgrounds after the opening and morning tea with life
members, the Show proceeded, and the crowd increased.
The full Show Train arrived bringing many visitors to Toodyay and we are hoping to lock
in a train next year.
The Equestrian Pleasure Show had pony rings that were filled with activity.
Trade exhibitors stalls and the sideshow alley made the ground a family magnet.
Popularity awards go to the Poultry Stewards and exhibitors, Goats of ANY
breed, Butterflies, Heritage Chillies, Lucas Timber Mill and the WA Police Display.
With 26 entertainment groups, all interests were covered.
The exhibition halls were packed with over 1630 community and regional entries.
School wall displays added to the colour of the Floriculture & Craft sections.
The Livestock did not disappoint with the cattle yards full and a packed Poultry Shed
guarded by Henrietta the Hay Hen.
The Sheep Pavilion was replete with many breeds in competition, sharing the space with
the WA Dairy Goats.
Wool and agriculture were well supported which was great to see from the local farmers.
Our 170th Show did not disappoint on a day blessed by exceptional weather.
The Committee works hard to organise the Show aiming to cater for all ages and interests.
With the positive comments received on the day and afterwards the committee believe
that we achieved this.
We are looking at better promotion of “entering the Show” next year, with entries
made easier especially online.
Social media and our website promotion was excellent this year motivating everybody
to enter that rose, a jar of relish, or dare I say, the Man Cake.
The Toodyay Agricultural Society thanks all those individuals, community groups and
businesses who supported the Show this year through either major sponsorship or the
donation of trophies and prizes.
Without this sponsorship we are unable to organise the events we do.
Many community groups assist prior to, or on Show Day and we are very grateful to
them as they help the day run smoothly.
Our thanks also go to the Toodyay and Northam Bendigo Community Bank for the
sponsorship of our fireworks display.
This year was one of the best displays I have seen for a long time.
We are grateful for their three-year support so we can end the Show with a bang.
Heartfelt thanks also to our other major sponsors this year including Chalice Mining,
CSBP Fertilisers, Dunnings, Shire of Toodyay, Rio Tinto, Morgan Feed Supplies,
Makit and the Toodyay Op Shop.
The Show is not possible without their financial backing and in-kind support.
Thanks to the helpers, stewards, judges, community groups, Curtin volunteer students
and our wonderful committee.
The committee now looks to organising the Toodyay Agricultural Show in 2025 after a
short Christmas break.
If you are keen to help please come to the AGM in February as there might be a few
seats we would love to fill.You might have a new idea or skill set the
committee have been looking for.
The President and committee sincerely hope you all enjoyed the Show this year and it would not have been the same without you being there.