Country shows: Macksville, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen return in 2022 post-Covid
Country folk are as honest and willing as the day is long. See how they are fighting back as the local shows return to the big rings on the Coffs Coast.
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Local agricultural shows - the very essence of community - are making a barnstorming return across the Coffs Coast, much to the delight of cake bakers, cattle breeders, home brewers and thrillseeking teenagers.
The global pandemic achieved the unthinkable in putting shows on ice since 2019 - but this year they’re back and the festivities started on Tuesday and Wednesday at Kempsey, and the carnival bandwagon moves to Macksville on Friday and Saturday.
Grafton (May 6-7), Coffs Harbour (May 13-15) and Bellingen (May 21-22) will follow.
At Macksville, show society president Michael Ettelson has been at the helm for 11 years, and he can almost hear the thrump of anticipation from the community.
2022 will be the 108th show - which some have christened the ‘Mini Royal of the North’ - and Mr Ettelson knows the stakes are high for a triumphant return.
“There’s so much to do but it’s enjoyable,” he said.
“It’s not a one-man band - it’s a big team and secretary Peter Trisley, he’s the engine.”
The enforced break has brought some changes, as the show moves as cashless as it can with eftpos, and much of the organisation switching to online.
The bricks and mortar have also had the once over - with a major makeover of the pavilion kitchen and a new floor in the dining room.
Australian stock horse will be a feature event running all day on Saturday, while there will also be motorbike stunts, fireworks, lawnmower racing, trots and a demolition derby.
The young ones will find their groove in sideshow alley, replete with fairy floss, dagwood dogs and gut-churning rides.
Mr Ettelson, a property agent, has been on-board with the show society for 19 years since relocating from the Big Smoke.
“In Sydney you never do anything for the community - the show taught me how to do that, to give back to the community,” he said.
In the kitchen, Sandra Gaddes, had pots on the boil and was eyeing a long row of Queensland blues and the task ahead of cooking the pumpkins.
“I’ve been involved in the show for about 45 years - it makes me very proud to help the community,” Ms Gaddes said.
“It’s the friends you meet too, plus the ladies, they’re marvellous.
“Going back the show was often the only time you would see the farmers come into town.”
Needlework steward Sarah Bursle is looking forward to showcasing local craft, and fretting about the need to get the “younger ones” to take up the thread.
Peter Shales and Chris Garrett were busy arranging the entries in the farm and dairy section.
La Nina has been a menace for many backyard veg growers chasing bragging rights.
“It’s been challenging with the wet season so we might not see a lot of entries,” Mr Shales said.
Both men were unsure if there’d be a starter in the giant pumpkin quest.
“I believe there is one big one coming,” Mr Garrett said.
“But with all of the rain they can just collapse and go plop.”
The Macksville Show will be extra special for the nation’s largest lobby group, the Country Women’s Association (CWA).
This year marks the centenary of the NSW CWA and Jenny Standfield, Shirley Naylor and Margaret Breust are keen to put the spotlight on the members’ craftworks, and the organisation’s support for people on the land.
Withe measured hands at work and everything taking shape, Covid will be singing the blues as the show circuit returns to the Coffs Coast and people can rejoice in an honest event where the country comes to town.
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