Gatton Show blooms after hard year

AFTER one of the town's toughest years, Gatton is set to celebrate its 96th show this weekend.

Robert Moffatt rides Idol Blues during the showjumping at the Gatton Show. Picture: Claudia Baxter

AFTER one of the town's toughest years, Gatton is set to celebrate its 96th show this weekend.

The show will place the region's finest agriculture, produce and craft on display, as well as bring a bumper line-up of entertainment.

Show society secretary Jane Wilce said the show had attracted great entries across the board.

"Our pavilion entries are just incredible," she said.

"It'd just about rival anybody. From the schoolwork to the crafts and the fruit and vegetables, entries are just amazing."

Equestrian events in the main ring will run throughout the show, with some of the Lockyer Valley's finest horses and riders performing.

Gatton's is the final major show for showjumping before the Brisbane Ekka and promises to draw strong competitors leading up to the state's biggest show.

Ms Wilce said the society was trying to keep the show's rural feel alive.

"We're trying really hard to keep the 'country show' feel to the show. We're making progress obviously, but we want it to feel like the shows people remember going to when they were kids."

Friday's night-time entertainment this year opens the show with an outback riders display, a demolition derby and a performance by jet-powered quad bikes.

The night's entertainment will also feature motocross trick riders, a rollover truck and the annual fireworks display.

The show's pavilions will host the Valley's high-quality produce, while the dairy and beef cattle sections have garnered strong interest.

The rides and games of sideshow alley will be running throughout the show's three days.

Assistance in preparing for the show has come from an unusual source this year, with minimum-security prisoners from a Toowoomba prison being sent to help with the task.

"We applied to the Department of Corrective Services and they sent down 12 prisoners who have been helping set up the show," Ms Wilce said.

The show, held at the Gatton Showgrounds, will start at 7.30am on Friday, with the official opening to be held at 6.30pm before the night's entertainment.

For further information and full schedules of the Gatton Show visit gattonshowsociety.com.au.

Originally published as Gatton Show blooms after hard year