Whether we're young or old, rich or poor, city slickers or country folk, an outing to our local annual show is part of just about every Australian childhood. Agricultural shows epitomise the best of old-fashioned Aussie country life - proud farmers exhibit their prized livestock, housewives compete against each other in various cooking and craft competitions, and far-flung neighbours gather together to catch up on the latest news.
Show time is fun time all over Western Australia
For city people, a visit to a country show provides the opportunity to see farm animals 'up close and personal', while kids especially relish the vibrant carnival atmosphere, the wild rides and the sweet, sticky fairy-floss. Regardless of who we are and where we're from, for most of us, Showtime is a magical time of the year when good times are shared with loved ones and memories are etched which last a lifetime.
Agricultural shows in Western Australia have a proud heritage. During the early years of colonial settlement they were conceived of as country fairs, and modelled after those which had been held in England for centuries. The tradition began in 1831 when the Agricultural Society of Western Australia was formed, followed three years later by their first Annual Fair and Cattle Show. By the end of the nineteenth century, almost forty agricultural societies existed throughout the colony.
The Minister of Lands, Mr Thorn, opening the first Gidgegannup Show in 1946. Image is from the Gidgegannup Perth Hills website.
Over a century later, these societies, many of which are situated in isolated parts of our immense state, live on and most rural communities, both large and small, hold a show every year without fail. Despite the passing of the years and society's many changes, agricultural shows have evolved into dynamic local events which are just as relevant today as they were during days gone by. Therefore, if you're looking for a beaut family outing that the whole family will enjoy and an opportunity to escape the rat-race of city life for a day or a weekend, these fun and feel-good community events may be just what you're looking for.
Image is from the Chapman Valley website.
The following is a list of the agricultural shows which are to be held throughout Western Australia during 2013. To confirm these dates and get further details, call the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia on 08 6263 3100 or email them on
[email protected].
Friday 8th - Saturday 9th March: Wagin Woolarama; Manjimup - Warren Districts Agricultural Show
Friday 15th - Saturday 16th March: Kalgoorlie Boulder Community Fair
Sunday 17th March: Mount Marshall & District Agricultural Show
Saturday 23rd March: Merredin & Districts Agricultural Show
Saturday 30th - Sunday 31st March: Donnybrook Apple Festival
Friday 5th - Saturday 6th April: Harvey Agricultural Show
Friday 12th - Saturday 13th April: Kalamunda & Districts Agricultural Show
Saturday 13th April: Williams Gateway Expo
Saturday 20th April: Bunbury Agricultural Show; Balingup Small Farm Field Day
Saturday 11th May: Pickering Brook Agricultural Show
Sunday 26th May: Experience Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day
Friday 12th - Saturday 13th July: Kununurra Agricultural Show
Saturday 17th August: Beverley Agricultural Show; Perenjori & Districts Agricultural Show
Saturday 24th August: Dalwallinu & Districts Agricultural Show
Wednesday 28th - Thursday 29th August: Dowerin GWN Field Days
Saturday 31st August: Mullewa Agricultural Show
Saturday 7th September: Chapman Valley Agricultural Show; Koorda & Districts Agricultural Show
Saturday 14th September: Quairading Agricultural Show; Carnamah - North Midlands Agricultural Show; Corrigin Agricultural Show; Northampton Agricultural Show
Friday 13th - Saturday 14th September: Northam Agricultural Show
Saturday 21st September: Kellerberrin & Districts Agricultural Show; Moora - Central Midlands Agricultural Show
Saturday 28th September - Saturday 5th October: Perth Royal Show
Saturday 12th October: Tambellup Agricultural Show; Dardanup Bull & Barrel Festival; Waroona Agricultural Show; Toodyay Agricultural Show
Friday 18th - Saturday 19th October: Esperance & Districts Agricultural Show; Kelmscott Agricultural Show; Margaret River & Districts Agricultural Show
Saturday 26th October: Brunswick Agricultural Show; Gidgegannup Agricultural Show; Katanning Agricultural, Pastoral & Horticultural Show
Friday 1st - Saturday 2nd November: Busselton & Southern Districts Agricultural Show; Canning Agricultural Show
Tuesday 5th November: Upper Blackwood Agricultural Show
Friday 8th - Saturday 9th November: Albany Agricultural Show
Friday 15th - Saturday 16th November: Collie Agricultural Show
Saturday 16th November: Swan View and Districts Agricultural & Arts Society Show
Saturday 23rd November: Bridgetown Agricultural Show
Friday 29th - Saturday 30th November: Wanneroo Agricultural Show
Friday 6th - Saturday 7th December: Osborne Park Agricultural Show
