Some are dragged along by children keen to fill their bellies with fairy floss only to risk losing it on rides with names like the Cha Cha.

One goes because he’s handy with a pair of sheep clippers.

And then there are those who go because the Henty Show is that annual event not to be missed.

Two of these types are standing in a wool shed transformed into a showcase of art, craft and sponge cake.

Henty Show secretary Kerry Small and Culcairn Show secretary Joan Wood are talking.

Mrs Small has been a part of the Henty Show since 1985 while Mrs Wood is a show stalwart of 39 years.

They know it’s getting harder. Crowd numbers dwindle and everything is just more expensive.

“It’s getting people to help you do it, the committee is dwindling,” Mrs Small said.

“Most of us are in our 60s and 70s, the stewards are in their 70s.”

They keep going because it’s their tradition.

They love the dust that rises in the air as children dash up and down the sideshows, the horses prancing on a showground in the background.

They love the cakes lined up for judging and the blue ribbons.

“It’s the community getting together,” Mrs Small said.

“Be here at dusk and everyone groups together under the tree.”

“It’s part of our heritage, but it’s hard hanging in there at times,” Mrs Wood said.

NSW Farmer of the Year for 2012 and Henty local Peter Campbell, who won the award with wife Alison Campbell, opened the show.

He told the crowd country shows provided a way to get the farming and non-farming communities together.

“Local shows have a long tradition for this very reason,” he said.