March 11, 2016
The 2016 Murgon Show that will open its gates to the public at 6:00am on Saturday looks like being one of the best seen in several years.
The combined effects floods and drought gave this 93-year-old event a bit of a hammering between 2011 and 2015.
But a good season in the Murgon district and a return to full production for many farmers has set the stage for a big turnout.
* * *
This year, after an absence of 14 years, dairy cows will be making a welcome return to Murgon Showgrounds, a perfect counterpoint to the stud and prime cattle that are always a popular feature of this annual event.
As usual, there’ll be hacks and showjumpers competing in the main ring for honours early in the morning.
Judges will cast a stern eye over the stud beef at 8:00am, and another over the poultry at 8:30am while ute owners register for the Ute Muster and the chance to achieve glory.
A big feature of this year’s show will be an All Breeds Dog Show, which will be judged at 9:00am.
It will be followed by dairy and prime cattle judging at 9:30am, and then a Show & Shine at 10:30am.
A Pet Parade will also be judged at 11:45am.
* * *
After this the Show will turn to the serious business of providing a full afternoon and evening of entertaining with side show rides, an animal nursery, Monster Truck rides, a jumping castle for children, a rodeo, fireworks and all the traditional fun of the fair.
The Show will be officially opened at 1:30pm, and this will be followed by a Stockman’s Challenge.
At 2:30pm, Murgon High School students will perform a play in the Main Pavilion; and at 4:00pm, Don Costa will perform in front of the grandstand.
This will be followed by more show jumping at 5:30, and then from 6:00pm onwards, a rodeo that will be broken by a Giant Fireworks Display at around 7:00pm.
Admission to this year’s Show remains at $12 for adults; $10 for concessions; or $35 for a family (2 adults plus dependent children). Pre-school age children are admitted free.
More details? Phone the Murgon Show Society on (07) 4168-1427.
