March 20, 2018
Murgon showgoers were treated to the perfect rural show at the weekend … beautiful weather, a spruced up showground and plenty of top-class exhibits.
In recent years, the Pavilion has been empty at times but this year it seemed full of action with local artists hard at work in one corner, a live show of colourful parrots in another, a string of school exhibits plus the traditional cut flowers, culinary and photography displays.
The show was officially opened by Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien who admitted he had a special love of ag shows.
“Twenty-eight years ago I met a Miss Showgirl whom I married and who forced me to learn the Pride of Erin!” he joked.
South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell said rural shows were a great celebration of agriculture and all the things that go with it.
Mr O’Brien agreed, saying there were so many people scurrying around in the cities that at times they looked like ants … but they all relied on the regions for their food, fibre and water.
Show Society president Joan Adams praised her volunteers for all the work they had done this year in the lead-up to the show.
“They painted everything! And they helped to put up the old pony shed …”
The pony shed was originally located in the Gallangowan forestry but was shifted to Murgon Showground many years ago.
This year, with the help of some BlazeAid volunteers and Show Society members, it was shifted again to become the new Secretary’s Office to cater for the lower end of the showgrounds.
A special part of the opening ceremony this year was the announcement of the inaugural Fay Collard Memorial Trophy winner for most points in roses.
Fay Collard, who died last November, became a member of the Murgon Show Society almost immediately after the family moved to the area in 1974.
She served in many positions throughout the years, including becoming the Society’s first female president.
Her husband Neil also served terms as Show Society president and the couple were both made Life Members of the association.
The inaugural winner of the trophy was Stephen Kemp.
A unique part of the Murgon Show official opening every year is the “blessing of the plough”, honouring farmers past, present and future. This year’s prayer and blessing were carried out by Senior Pastor Greg Carle from the Murgon Baptist Church.
The “Welcome To Country” was completed by Robert “Rocko” Langton, one of the Cherbourg artists who had been creating artworks in the Pavilion.
The crowd then stood and paused for a minute’s silence to honour Uncle Laurie Bond, a well-known local elder whose funeral will be held on Friday in Cherbourg.
The Murgon Show was rounded off by a packed rodeo in the evening and the traditional fireworks.
 |
 |
* * *
2018 Grand Parade
(Click on each image to expand, then use your browser’s back arrow to return to the Gallery)
