For the 73rd time, the Koorawatha Show is gearing up for another year with a plentiful event packed full of competitions, events, shows and more.
Koorawatha Show Society Secretary, Mary Gee, says they are creating a show that stands out from other, traditional shows.
“We don’t want to do the same things as everyone else,” she says.
“We will have all the usual rides and competition, but this year we will also have a few different events.”
Show visitors will be able to see the heavy working horses (often Clydesdales), take on log skidding, an event where the horses show incredible feats of strength by dragging heavy logs. An event deeply rooted in traditional labour.
“Demonstrations for the different harnesses and explanations of the different methods of use will happen at 10.00am that morning,” says Mary.
For anyone not amused by this technology, she says there will be a live demonstration of bobbin lace weaving.
“For the ladies, there will be a lady making bobbin lace on the spot,” she says.
“Some of her previous work will be on display for people to see.
“I honestly am mesmerised by the art and the way her hands go ‘lickety snick’, it’s so fast.”
Dating back to as early as the 1500’s, the art (also known as pillow lace or bone lace due to their location and the materials used), is created by twisting and braiding fine threads that are wound on hand bobbins. The knots are held together with pins during the creation to ensure a pattern ensues.
“Hopefully that will interest a few other people,” says Mary.
Horse events are scheduled to kick off at 9.30am with several prizes and points to be won throughout the day.
Cattle competitions will also occur throughout the day, with several schools participating from their agriculture units. These will also include some sheep.
“We will also have a prime lamb competition to judge the best lamb from the paddock,” says Mary.
“This is all alongside the usual things, such as face painting and a weeds officer from Council to discuss their own concerns about anything popping up.”
A live reptile display will explore some of the region’s slithery friends, with a first aid demonstration to run through the process should someone get bitten in the wild.
“They are very docile creatures, and it’ll be a great show and tell,” says Mary.
Stallholders, coffee vans, food and ice cream vans will be scattered throughout the show to ensure everyone’s cravings (shopping, hunger, thirst or otherwise) are met to the nth degree, with a licensed bar and canteen rounding out the gang.
“It’s often a warm day,” says Mary.
“But we are covered for all weathers.
“A hot coffee if it’s cool and then an ice cream and cold drink if it’s warm.”
Inside the pavilion itself, visitors can expect to see the finest in wool, produce, flowers, cooking, preserves and jams, needle and fancy work, vegetables, eggs and honey, handicraft and art, children’s art and photography that the region has to offer.
Show rides and a mechanical bull will round out the entertainment.
“Stationed at the front gate, we will have our Show and Shine competition with various categories,” says Mary.
Unlike the traditional car clubs at shows (which Mary says are always great to see, but can sometimes feel repetitive), the car and ute show will have categories such as ‘Most Likely to Need a Tow Truck’.
“It’s something that everyone needs and should be a great source of entertainment for everyone,” she says.
“It’s something a little different than a car club and gives everyone a chance to get in on the act.
“You never know what they are going to come up, and it’s always very different.”
This year, Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke will be the Show’s official guest/judge and will kick off the Show by announcing the 2026 Prince and Princess.
Open to preschool-primary school aged children, the official judging will occur at 11.30.
Steph will be joined by Darcy Howard from MCC Howard Oliver as a judge.
A former competitor turned major sponsor, Mary says it is always great to see how the community’s youngest participants can progress up the chain.
The Koorawatha Show will kick off at 6.30am on Sunday, 1 March.
Pavilion entries close at 3.00pm on Saturday, 28 February and fresh produce prior to 8.30am on Sunday, 1 March.
For more information, visit their Facebook at Koorawatha Show.
Elizabeth Kovacs
