September 5, 2023
The 104th Wondai Show has been hailed as a great success, with record attendances on Saturday and new attractions drawing plenty of praise.
Wondai AP&I president Amanda Palmer said she was “ecstatic” her committee had been able to put on such a great show.
There were stud beef and dairy cattle, horses, dogs, a packed-out poultry pavilion, sideshow alley, car show, ute show, truck show, lawn mower racing and even helicopter rides.
“It’s definitely the biggest numbers through the gate that we’ve ever had for the Wondai Show,” Amanda told southburnett.com.au on Tuesday.
“We were extremely proud and honoured to be able to deliver something like that to the community.”
She said the truck show had been phenomenal, and the new attractions – such as the helicopter rides and freestyle motocross displays – had proven to be very popular.
The FMX riders performed aerobatic tricks as they soared above a dump truck supplied by sponsors Yesberg Earthmoving.
“It was a huge crowd pleaser and we hope to have them back for future shows,” Amanda said.
She said the bullride on Saturday night had also been a great success.
“From what I can tell, it was a crowd favourite. I was in the bar area, and it was absolutely crazy!” Amanda said.
“The kids loved having the rodeo clown throwing out lollies. There’s been a lot of positive feedback.”
After the rodeo, Mr Q played until midnight but the crowds hung around even longer than that.
Amanda said she would really like to thank the committee and her volunteers.
“Without them we wouldn’t have had what we did on Saturday and the show wouldn’t have been as great as what it was,” she said.
- External link: Horse and Mini-Horse Sections (photos by Eliza Thompson Photography)
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The show was officially opened by past Show Society president Dennis Morris, who led the committee for 11 years but has been involved in the event for an amazing 53 years.
Dennis said the co-operation of local community groups such as the South Burnett Race Club and the Wondai Wolves had helped the Wondai Show grow over the years, as well as the wonderful support of the Wondai and wider South Burnett communities.
He praised the young people who had become involved in recent years.
“The youth that has been coming into this society has expanded our role so much. They have added and enormous amount to our community,” he said.
“They didn’t just have an idea. They put forward their idea, they supported the idea and they executed it.”
Dennis also took over the microphone to announce the official renaming of the poultry pavilion in honour of Debbie and John Rutledge and their family members.
John has been the Poultry Chief Steward since 2001.
Dennis praised the Rutledge family for being wonderful supporters of the Wondai Show for decades, both in the kennel clubs section and the poultry pavilion.
“Their work has been absolutely remarkable,” he said.
A highlight at the opening ceremony was the awarding of Life Membership badges to show stalwarts and long-time volunteers Eileen Beer and Joanne Evans.
Another was the presentation of a hand-made silver bracelet by Cr Kathy Duff to Wondai’s 2023 Showgirl, Jasmine Thornes.
Show Patron Kev Perkins, who has been involved with the show since 1960, also spoke at the ceremony.
“It’s mind-boggling to me to see the rapid change that’s come about in the organisation with the younger members,” he said.
He congratulated Show Society president Amanda Palmer and her committee.
“The future’s in your hands, and I think it’s in great hands,” he said.
