ALBURY Show Society’s punt on a change of format has paid instant dividends.
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Switching equestrian events to an earlier date at a different location and cutting the main event back from three days to two was embraced by showgoers.
The Friday crowd was up on last year and a strong turnout backed up on Saturday as weather also played its part for organisers with cool, but fine conditions.
Show society president Haydn Shipard said the response to the changes had been pleasing.
“The weather has been kind to us and the crowds have kept rolling in,” he said.
“We haven’t tallied the final figures, but all indications are things will be up on last year.
“The changes we’ve made have been very well received.
“The kids zone has worked extremely well, the diverse lot of entertainment we’ve had has helped and after speaking to the carnival people they are happy.
“Overall we’re more than happy.”
The main arena which traditionally would be filled with horses and riders was replaced with wagon rides, tent pegging demonstrations, an outback stockman show and of course fireworks on both nights.
Sideshow alley had a steady stream of customers, but the show mainstays also had their share of interest.
The Albury winner of the Australian Show Society fruit cake competition was Logan Ashford.
Jessica Wilson claimed the champion exhibit in the decorated cake section and Jess Kirkbridge won the best senior exhibit for her carrot cake.
The best junior exhibit was taken out by Jorja Spokes with a threaded licorice necklace.
The Ian Glachan Memorial prize for the champion exhibit in the arts and craft section went to Leigh Webster with a plum coloured child’s dress entry.
The late Mr Glachan’s wife Helen joined another show society stalwart Wal Blezard in judging the miss and master quest sections.
Tiny Tot was taken out by Lily Barlow, the girls 8-11 years by Hailey Whitehead and the 12-14 years by Sarah Horner from joint runners-up Caitlyn Martin and Jarni Nehme.
There were no entries in Miss Showgirl.
In the cattle section, champion heifer was “Rangan Estella” from Rangan Charolais stud in the Kiewa Valley with the reserve champion being “Glenliam Grey Land” from Snowy Mountains Murray Grey stud.
The champion bull was “JC Morgan” from JC Charolais stud with the reserve champion being “Thologolong Buddy” with Peter Sutherland being the exhibitor.
The showgrounds will be upgraded in future with funding received recently for a master-plan of the site.
