The annual Jingellic Show will return with a noticeable face-lift on March 25 after risks posed by the showground’s ageing infrastructure forced its cancellation in 2016.
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The population may be small but the people power has proven huge after a determined band of volunteers secured close to $250,000 in grants to upgrade facilities at the picturesque grounds.
A new pavilion will take pride of place at the grounds together with a soon-to-be completed amenities block and extensive fencing works.
Jingellic & District Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society acting president Mary Hoodless said the committee had developed a strategic plan to guide future development at the showground.
Together with Snowy Valleys Council, she said the vision was to create a multi-purpose recreation facility the community could be proud of.
The community was galvanised into action after the existing pavilion – “a lovely old timber and corrugated iron structure” – had deteriorated to such an extent the committee was forced to cancel last year’s show due to safety risks.
“It was a real wake-up call that we needed to upgrade the facilities to make the most of the natural assets of this lovely area,” Ms Hoodless said.
“A group of generous volunteers has been assisting with the demolition and construction of new facilities, marketing, sponsorship and a new schedule featuring old and new events.
“While some works will still be in progress we look forward to people attending the show in our beautiful leafy setting.”
The 2017 Jingellic Show will include a full program of showjumping and other equestrian events, cattle and poultry exhibits, market stalls and traditional sideshow alley.
Ms Hoodless said a new on-farm beef breeders competition was an innovative addition to this year’s program and had attracted 16 producers with the winners announced on show day.
There’s free entertainment for the young – and young at heart – with a mechanical bull and sumo wrestling among the day’s activities.