Firm focus on family fun

Preparations at the showgrounds intensified this week as the annual mix of animals, craft, sideshows and competitions draws near.

Albury Show Society president Bill Vost and committee member Eileen Middleton said attracting families to the show remained a priority.

"We're all working together to get the kids and the family back and make it a friendly show," Mrs Middleton said.

"All the free stuff is to help the families, so they can go somewhere where they don't have to spend a ton of money."

The entertainment includes Eroni’s Circus, pony rides, live music, a Lego competition, the animal nursery, a pet show and a reptile display.

World champion axeman David Foster will oversee wood chopping demonstrations and title events and the Trackskill V8 Utes are also making an appearance.

Mr Vost said show entry prices had not increased and more parking had been introduced.

This year sees the return of the grand parade on Saturday.

"Just to make it a bit friendlier, something for the people to see," he said.

As well as the expected horses, sheep and cattle, show visitors may catch a glimpse of a friendly T-Rex.

"He's going to go in the parade and he's also going to walk around and say hello to people if they're game enough," Mrs Middleton said.

"There's lots to see and there'll be maps handed out at the gate so people will know where to go." 

Tent pegging and the bushman’s challenge will show off the competitors’ skills on horseback. And those Albury Show staples of rides and show bags are likely to be as popular as ever.

Mrs Middleton said the new events would help make the show a success.

"I've got a feeling it's going to be one of the best shows we've had,” she said. “And as long as the weather's lovely too, it will be spectacular." 

The 2015 Albury Show will be held on Friday (3pm to 10pm), Saturday (9am to 10pm) and Sunday (9am to 4pm).

The fireworks will be 9pm Friday and Saturday.