Clermont Show hits the mark

THE sun broke on Monday to a beautiful crisp autumn morning to kick off the 2013 Clermont Show.

SWINGING THE AXE: Clermont local Brant Bettridge puts in a big effort in the wood chopping events. Picture: Rhiannon Finger Emeclermont

THE sun broke on Monday to a beautiful crisp autumn morning to kick off the 2013 Clermont Show.

While the cattle yards were a hive of activity in preparation for the annual beef judging sections, the small crowd of producers rolled in to kick-start the show program.

As the sun set on a successful first day and the judges' decisions done and dusted for the year, the ride and game operators converged ready for the crowds to begin arriving on Tuesday, and just like the first day, the weather was again perfect for a day at the show.

As the crowds begin arriving to enjoy the rides and exhibits along with the plenitude of food stalls, the atmosphere grew and by late afternoon a steady stream of people was flowing through the gates to witness the fireworks.

By Wednesday, which is the official show holiday, the crowd returned and perhaps doubled and the weather again was kind enough to keep the rain at bay until late afternoon. With so much to see and do, all family members were kept entertained.

The wood chopping section once again proved a popular spectacle and the inclusion of the championship title attracted a swag of talented wood choppers who travelled for the event.

The rides were in full swing all day and the pavilion was kept busy with the show-goers flowing through the doors to view the handicrafts, photography and school work proudly on display inside.

The show girl's strike a pose at the parade. Photo: Rhiannon Finger / CQ News. Picture: Rhiannon Finger EME310513clermon

THE Clermont Show grand parade started just after 2pm on Wednesday, but not before a minute's silence was dedicated to the late Ann Baczynski.

The sentiment acknowledged Mrs Baczynski, who was a long-serving committee member and a steward of the show.

The sea of show-goers who paused to reflect and remember her during that minute was a testament to her lasting legacy and their support of the show.

With the showgirls in the arena  the parade started, followed closely by local school representatives and the champion stud cattle.

Just as the show seemed to be wrapping up for another year, the clouds that had been threatening all afternoon burst momentarily.

A shower of rain at last crossed the grounds, dampening only the dirt but certainly not the spirits of the crowd or the committee after yet another successful show week.

Renee, Emmy and Islee Duncan. Photo: Rhiannon Finger / CQ News. Picture: Rhiannon Finger EME310513clermon

AT A time when the beef industry is under significant strain and following a less-than-kind season, it would be fair to presume the beef section within the show program would suffer as a result.

However, it was with great delight stewards of the section commented on how they saw more than 500 cattle nominations through the gates.

Beef judge Ben Drynan and commercial judge Brendon Finger weren't shy in declaring that, despite the potential setbacks of the season, the quality was still extremely high.

"In an even bigger testament to the dedication to the industry, and endurance, was the continued support by producers towards the Charity Class section," Mr Finger said.

"All cattle from this section are donated and then sold with the proceeds being held in a fund that can then be accessed by community groups and charities that complete the application process."

During the Beef Dinner on Tuesday night after the judging and the sale, Mr Drynan commended the producers for their commitment to the continual support of the cattle sections within the shows and for their high quality cattle.

Miss Showgirl entrant and local grazier Tamara Finger, of Meadowbrook, assisted in the judging process.

Ms Finger also addressed the crowd during the dinner and, despite her tender age, gave a heartfelt address about how honoured she felt to be involved in the show as an assistant judge and being surrounded by producers she had grown up admiring for their involvement and dedication to the industry.