Mackay show guide: How to enjoy it on a budget

The Pioneer Valley Show is a must-do event for families, kicking off the season in the region. Here is everything you need to know to enjoy the spectacle.

The Mackay Show has rolled around at the same moment family budgets are under pressure with rising fuel and grocery costs.

But fear not, you will not need to fork out large sums of money to enjoy this year’s spectacle.

In fact, the show looks set to offer everyone a ball at very little expense.

To begin with, pre-purchase tickets offer families a healthy discount on entry.

From now until Friday, families can get a ticket for just $40.

The ticket covers two adults and two children.

If you have a larger family, each additional child will cost you $10.

By contrast, buying a ticket at the gate costs $50 for a family and then $15 for each additional child.

If you have young kids, the costs is even lower.

All children under the age of five get free entry.

Once you are in the show, there is plenty to do and see without shelling out the dollars.

Entertainment at the arena, home to the much-anticipated Globe of Death, stud cattle, equestrian and dog shows, will be free.

So too the community stage featuring performers from across the region.

The arts and crafts displays and animal farm will also be free.

And if you want to get on some rides, you can save money on that front too.

You can spend $25 to buy a coupon worth $30, which can be used at all the rides in Sideshow Alley.

The coupons are available until close-of-business Friday.

Mackay Show Association manager Cassie Waterson expects “good crowds” this year.

“The weather is looking great,” she said.

“We have got action packed days everyday and a lot of different things for everyone to see.

Alongside show classics like dodge-em cars and showbags, this year’s event has some new features to wow the crowds.

“We’ve got a brand new animal farm coming to town this year with duck racing and we haven’t had duck racing in this town,” Mrs Waterson said.

Mackay’s sugarcane heritage will also be on display.

“Local growers can put their cane in to win some awards,” she said.

“It really showcases our sugarcane industry.”

Mrs Waterson also has some advice for families.

“There’s plenty of time, so spend some time to look around.”

Pioneer Valley Show

Kristanne Daly has barely missed a Pioneer Valley Show in her life.

Serving as the show society’s marketing and entertainment officer since 2017, Ms Daly said there was no other show like it.

“It’s just got a really lovely community feel to it I suppose, and it’s more of a laid back, agricultural show,” she said.

“It’s more family friendly and a bit smaller than the bigger shows but it is still jam packed with entertainment and rides and all the fantastic things that people love about show day.”

Grayson Garioch at the Pioneer Valley Show 2021. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Opening up the Mackay region’s show season on June 12, the Pioneer Valley Show has attracted more than 16,000 people in previous years.

Gates will open from 6am with a busy day of children entertainment kicking off at 8am.

Pioneer Valley Show returns: Photo gallery of family fun

Balloon animal making, ukulele workshops and of course an animal farm are just some of the activities on the jam packed entertainment schedule that will conclude at 5pm.

The ring entertainment will begin with the horses and woodchop in the morning, before a dance school’s performance about noon.

Eight-year-old Charlie Turner from Walkerston State School with his prize-winning duck from last year’s show. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Live music and circus performances will bring in the afternoon before the Pioneer Valley Show’s renowned horse versus motorbike event.

The day will conclude with fireworks about 7pm.

The show society is still looking for more helpers.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and as the saying goes, many hands make light work,” Ms Daly said.

The 2021 Pioneer Valley Show. Picture: Steven Penton, Flickr.

“And that’s if anyone would like to volunteer in any capacity, whether it’s on the committee or just on show day.”

Anyone with interest in helping out is encouraged to reach out through the Pioneer Valley Show Society Facebook page.

Pricing

Family pass for two adults and up to three children under 16 (prepaid) – $45

Family pass for two adults and two children under 16 (pay at gate) – $50

Family pass for two adults and up to three children under 16 (pay at gate) – $55

Adults (16 years and over) – $18

Pensioners – $10

School students – $8

Under school age – free

Tickets

Keen attendees can pre-purchase tickets from the following locations:

Mackay Tourism Information Centre (EFTPOS only)

Melba House, Marian

Porters Mitre 10, Marian

Finch Hatton General Store, Finch Hatton

Pioneer Valley Show Society, Finch Hatton

Fireworks

The fireworks have been scheduled with families in mind and will be kicking off at 6.45pm.