Governor Paul de Jersey AC presented special thank you to certificates to two long-serving Nanango Show volunteers … Lyn McNamara (32 years volunteering in the Equestrian Ring) and Greg Hunter (25 years volunteering in the Show Pavilion)
Nanango Show Society president Les Schloss … retiring after the 2021 show

April 13, 2021

Nanango showgoers have given retiring president Les Schloss a right royal send-off, flocking to the 112th Nanango Show in huge numbers.

Les told southburnett.com.au this would be his last show at the helm, and he was heading off on an immediate three-month holiday!

The task now, he said, was to find a replacement …

The two-day show, across Friday and Saturday, was officially opened by Queensland Governor, His Excellency Paul de Jersey AC.

The Governor told the crowd on Saturday morning there was something “wonderfully special” about shows.

And this year’s show – held 120 years after the first Nanango Show – definitely offered something special for visitors.

Everyone who bought a pass for Friday’s events could enter the show for free on Saturday (so long as they kept wearing those all-important wristbands).

The bullride on Friday night attracted a big crowd to the rodeo ring.

This followed a day of equestrian events in the main ring and non-stop action in the dog show arena.

Saturday’s show featured all the traditional attractions: cattle, sideshow alley, wood chopping,  and was topped off by the Heritage Nanango fireworks display and live music.

A “goat party”, which featured goats cavorting on giant “mushrooms”, also proved popular as did roving “dinosaurs”.

Entries in Pavilion competitions were also strong.

Governor de Jersey thanked all the local children who had contributed so many entries to this year’s show.

“Many of the traditional displays are just as I remember them as a child. I would like to give a special congratulations to all the schoolchildren who have entered exhibits,” he said.

“May I also offer heartfelt congratulations to those children with produce or animals on display.

“I encourage you to keep up your interest as you grow older.

“You are the future of Queensland agriculture, one of the great drivers of the Queensland economy, and it is to you that we will turn as the Nanango Show enters its next 120 years.”

“My predecessor Sir John Lavarack, the first Australian-born Governor of Queensland, had the honour of opening the Nanango Show during Nanango’s centenary in 1950. I echo him when I say how impressed I am with the quality and breadth of the region’s offerings on display.”

* * *

Queensland Governor, His Excellency Paul de Jersey AC, speaking at the official opening ceremony on Saturday morning
The Australian flag flying at half-mast at the Nanango Showgrounds on Saturday

The official opening of the show occurred the morning after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh was announced by Buckingham Palace.

Governor de Jersey added a tribute to Prince Philip during his speech.

“You will have noticed the Flags above the main arena of the Nanango Show flying at half-mast as a mark of respect,” the Governor said.

“Prince Philip earned the enduring admiration of Queenslanders for his integrity, kindness and humour, and for his loyalty as long-standing consort to Her Majesty.

“The Duke was the most frequent Royal visitor to Queensland, accompanying The Queen on eight tours and visiting independently on four occasions.

“Prince Philip was also much admired for the vital interest he took in people.

“His life was a model of selfless devotion to duty and service, a shining example to all of us.

“The thoughts of all Queenslanders at this time are very much with Her Majesty The Queen, our Head of State, and other members of the Royal Family.”

Aleck and Katrina McCloskey, from Greenhills Dexter Stud at Cressbrook, and nine-month-old ‘Beau’ … the couple were taking part in the 30th Queensland Dexter Breed Show, part of the activities at Nanango Showgrounds at the weekend
Alana Pearson, from Brisbane, with ‘Star’, a toy poodle competing in the dog show on Friday
Megan Chappell, from Murphys Creek, won Reserve Champion In Group with her chihuahua ‘Darcy’

Zane Hassum, 5, from Northgate, enjoyed hitching a surprise ride on ‘Fire’

James Webb sang the National Anthem at the official opening
2021 Nanango Rural Ambassador Jasmine Firman, Miss Showgirl Bianca King-Kogut, Miss Junior Showgirl Indianna Browning and Miss Teen Showgirl Stephanie Fleming at the opening ceremony
Nanango AP&M president Les Schloss and his wife Robin with their granddaughter 2021 Miss Junior Showgirl Indianna Browning
Former South Burnett Sub-Chamber president Richard O’Neill OAM with current president Viv White … Viv said the Sub-Chamber finals which had been scheduled to be held at the now-cancelled Blackbutt Show would be held at Nanango Showgrounds on June 6
Heritage Bank Nanango have been sponsoring the Nanango Show fireworks for years; this time they also set up a stall in the showgrounds … from left, National Manager Community Branches Rayeleene Elston, Heritage Nanango Community Funding chair Wendy Zerbst and Nanango branch manager Mark Shackleton
Harness events were also in the main ring on Friday
Alana Watkins on ‘Upstart Pride’ was competing in the showjumping on Friday
Division 1 Heat 1 of the trotting on Saturday was won by ‘Courageous Leo’ (Dallas Wilkins), on the inside, from ‘Manoflisa’ (Noel Parrish) in a tight finish … ‘Courageous Leo’ went on to win the Division 1 final
McKayla Stanley, from Kingaroy, with the Champion Junior British Female, ‘Bowenfels Eliza’, from Glenrae Pastoral
‘Jen-Daview Question Mark’ was sashed Junior Champion European Bull, a ribbon he also took at the Murgon Show
(Photo: Shirley Way)
South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto joined Governor Paul de Jersey in presenting some of the ribbons in the cattle ring
(Photo: Shirley Way)
Proston P-10’s school team showed their two steers, donated to the school by Smithfield Cattle Co … ‘Smithfield’s Showtime’ and ‘Sapphire’ impressed the judges with ‘Sapphire’ taking home a Grand Champion ribbon (Photo: Jenny Evans)
Action from the 12″ underhand handicap final in the woodchopping arena
Ken Jones, from Gladstone, won the Veterans’ final with this blow

* * *

Trotting Results 

Race 5 – Nanango Show Final (Div 1)
1. Courageous Leo – Dallas Wilkins
2. Gangbuster – Clint Sneddon
3. Manoflisa – Noel Parrish

Race 6 – Nanango Show Final (Div 2)
1. The Last Starfire – Noel Parrish
2. Chang – Clint Sneddon
3. Arvos – Felicity Reinke

* * *

Nanango Bullride

The Nanango Show bullride on Friday night attracted a big crowd to the arena.

Action was non-stop with riders ranging in age from Under 12s through to seniors, with a $2500 cash prize on offer for the winner of the Open event.

Here’s just a taste of some of the action …

… and sometimes you just have to run!

 

One Response to "Nanango Shows How It’s Done!"

  1. Great article South Burnett Online, pictures paint a 1000 words. But can be summed up in just one WOW!!

    Nanango Show has gone from strength to strength and certainly shows the way to successful country shows.

    Success comes from a lot of dedicated people volunteering time for their community,

    Leadership is a vital part of bringing all those man hours together.

    Congratulations to Les Schloss for the wonderful leadership and hard work you have contributed to the Nanango Show Society and the South Burnett show circuit. You can be very proud of building and creating a wonderful facility for Nanango and the South Burnett.

    Les always has time for everyone, a true country gentleman has paved the way for the future of Nanango Show Society, now it is time to enjoy a well-earned break. You will most certainly be missed, and leave big shoes to fill.

    Well done to Les and his team for another great show!!

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