March 9, 2020
Numbers were up at Proston’s 62nd annual show on Saturday … more horse entries, more cattle, more politicians and most importantly, more people through the gate.
About the only thing that was down was the number of poultry entries, and even then it wasn’t by much.
Poultry judge Linda Rea said it was unclear why there were a few less chooks than normal, but thought the need to keep cattle alive during the drought may have had something to do with it.
“When you’re trying to keep your cattle going, poultry probably has a lower priority,” she said.
But the drought was far from most people’s minds on Saturday, thanks to recent rainfall across the region.
Proston’s Showgrounds – in fact, the entire district – looked like a picture postcard of Ireland: green and lush in every direction.
Proston Show president Viv White said the society’s volunteers had worked tirelessly to prepare for this year’s outing, and she couldn’t thank them enough for their dedication and hard work.
The same went for the South Burnett Regional Council’s outdoor staff, who descended on the Showgrounds last week to mow the lawns and spruce up the grounds for the event.
Viv also paid tribute to the Show’s exhibitors and the quality of their entries, which she thought were of a very high standard across all classes and categories.
As has been the case in recent years, the official opening began with a rendition of the Australian national anthem by Bridget O’Shannessy that brought the grandstand audience to its feet.
This was followed by an address from South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell, and then a speech by the Show’s major sponsor Ken Mills, who officially opened the show.
After this, Viv introduced this year’s Miss Proston Showgirl Cassandra Simcox, Junior Miss Showgirl Morgan Dabonde and Rural Ambassador Sean Murphy-Crump to the crowd and presented a Lifetime Membership to long-time volunteer Irene McDonald, who has played a key role in organising the Show Society’s catering team for more years than anyone can recall.
The next show in the South Burnett circuit is Murgon, which will get under way this Friday afternoon (March 13) and continue with its main day on Saturday.
Related articles:
- Proston Pulls Together For Show (2019)
- Proston Blessed With Another Great Show (2018)
- A Friendly Invitation At Proston (2017)
- Cattle Star At Proston Show (2016)
- A Reason To Smile (2015)
- Proston Shows How To Do It (2014)
- Clouds Clear For Proston Show (2013)
