2023 Fraser Coast Show shapes up to be ‘bumper’ year

Crowds are expected to pack into the 2023 Fraser Coast Show which kicks off on Thursday, with stands, stables, dinosaurs and competitions completely booked over the two-day event.

Returning for its 148th year, the Fraser Coast Show kicks off this Thursday, May 25 with two days full of family fun.

The gates to the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park will be open from 9am on Thursday until late Friday night.

“With a massive turnout from participants and vendors, it is shaping up to be an absolute bumper of a show,” Show president Scott Hillier said.

“Around 100 head of cattle have been nominated for judging, the horse stables are full and the pavilion stands are completely booked.”

The Fraser Coast Show will be hosting livestock competitions with cattle and poultry judging, horse showing and jumping, and the Young Farmers Challenge, as well as competitions for cooking, fruit and veg, pottery, photography and fine arts.

Fraser Coast Show kicks off with horse riding, cattle competition

“Crowds will be entertained by the many events, including the Extreme Cowboy Racing, Aussie FMX, Chainsaw racing and Tractor Pull.”

Sideshow Alley is the fullest it has been in years, Mr Hillier said.

There will be more than five showbags stands scattered among the “absolutely packed” Sideshow Alley filled with a variety of rides and attractions, including the Dino-larious Show, which gives children the opportunity to meet interactive dinosaurs and check out fossils.

Finn Ammenhauser and Veronica van der Merwe had a blast in the side show alley at the 2021 Fraser Coast Show. Photo: Stuart Fast

“There is something for everyone at the show. Everywhere you look there is something different.”

Mr Hillier said he had noticed a great deal of negativity towards youth circulating in the community, with the publicity on youth crime, and hoped the show would serve as a way to focus on “the inspiring many, rather than the few, who give the youth a bad name”.

Bumper crowd has ball at second day of Fraser Coast Show

The Young Farmers Challenge and the junior sections in the cattle and poultry judging competition intend to showcase the hardworking and passionate youth that are involved in the agricultural community.

The rodeo will take place on Friday night, with bull riding from 7pm, and there will be fireworks at 8pm both nights, with Friday’s fireworks going off during the rodeo’s intermission.

Tickets can be bought either at the gate, or online with a price decrease if booked through the website.