May 22, 2019
Age may be starting to take its toll on the Blackbutt Show Society’s members but public enthusiasm for the 85-year-old Blackbutt Show gives no sign of fading any time soon.
Saturday’s outing drew the usual big crowds to Blackbutt Showgrounds, and big fields of competitors for the contests in the pavilions, the woodchopping arena, the cattle, the equestrian events and the dog show.
Hundreds of cars packed the field between the Showgrounds and Blackbutt Memorial Hall, keeping volunteers busy directing traffic for most of the day; and the Show Society’s canteen and bar both did a rip-roaring trade.
This year the Show Society bid farewell to long-time supporters Mark and Gloria Wilson, who announced their retirement after serving as cattle stewards for the past 28 years.
The pair have been actively involved in the Show since 1975.
Chief cattle steward Glen Argent, from Wattle Creek Limousins, paid a glowing tribute to the pair at a special presentation mid-way through this year’s cattle judging, saying their departure would leave a big hole in the team.
Glen said Mark and Gloria had been instrumental in the getting the new cattle shed built on the former Blackbutt campdrafting grounds.
He said everyone would miss their presence.
Meanwhile, the Evans family from Jen-Daview Limousins, walked away with a clutch of top ribbons.
They included Champion Tropical Bull, Champion European Bull, Supreme Bull Of The Show, Champion Female European, Reserve Champion European Female and Supreme European Female Of The Show.
Jenny Evans said the results were a testament to Jen-Daview’s 10 years of close attention to genetics, but admitted the drought had made this year harder than usual.
“We’ve had to reduce our herd numbers and feed bills have gone up a lot,” Jenny said.
But she added that most cattle producers have been doing it tough in the current conditions, and Jen-Daview were no different in that respect.
This year’s woodchopping competitions were dominated by multi-award winning Blackbutt axeman Mitch Argent, but there were many competitors eager to take the champion on.
Cr Gavin Jones compered all the competitions in the woodchopping arena, explaining some of the finer points of each contest to the big audience that gathered to watch.
In the undercover area, students from Blackbutt State School provided entertainment in the early afternoon; and in the pavilions, visitors could browse exhibits covering everything from fresh produce to needlework, cookery, photography and quilts.
South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell officially opened this year’s show.
He praised Show Society organisers for their efforts in putting together a fantastic event.
Mayor Campbell noted that many South Burnett community groups were getting greyer as the years rolled by, but said he was confident a new generation would take the reins and ensure the region’s traditions continued this century as they did the last.
Later in the day, the Show Society awarded life memberships to long-standing members Glen and Diane Argent; Peter and Patricia Argent; Jamie and Cheryl Marriott; and made Christopher McLeod a new patron alongside current patron Ken Almond.
Related articles:
- Schools On Show At Blackbutt (2018)
- Blackbutt Celebrates ‘Fantastic’ Show (2017)
- Blackbutt Show ‘Just About Perfect’ (2016)
- Timber Town Turns On A Show (2015)
- Stars Come Out At Blackbutt (2014)
- Best Blackbutt Show Ever! (2013)
- Wet Weather Fails To Dampen Show Spirits (2012)
