Wet weather threw plans for last year’s Kingaroy Show into disarray so show organisers breathed a sigh of relief at the weekend when everything went off without a hitch this time around.
South Burnett National Show Society secretary Leesa Baker said numbers were “really good” with about 4000 adults and students coming through the gate on Saturday, and about another 3000 on Sunday.
Sunday was quieter during the day, but many visitors turned up later to watch the speedway. Seats around the track were “chockers”, she said.
Other sections of the show were also very successful.
Leesa said most of the sections in the Pavilion competition attracted more entries.
She was especially happy with the increased number of junior and juvenile competitors.
“A whole class of prep kids did decorated pumpkins!” Leesa said.
The were more than 130 entries in the Beef Cattle sections and 40 in Dairy Cattle.
However, equestrian entries were down a bit but it was still a huge improvement on last year when most of the equestrian competition was cancelled because of rain.
Leesa said there was a good roll-up in the woodchopping arena and organisers actually added an extra class into the competition during Saturday.
She said the highlight of the show for her was the happy children with their gift show bags.
About 1800 bags, valued at more than $30 each, were given away this year to children aged under 12.
Money to put the showbags together is raised from the sale of recycled car batteries dropped off at the Kingaroy Showgrounds during the year.
“Last year we collected 7.6 tonnes of batteries,” Leesa said.
Other show highlights this year included chainsaw carving, stooked peanuts, a tractor pull, truck show, charity hay auction, sheep shearing demonstrations, and a ute show.