From partner carrying to cattle parades: country shows make a comeback
There are two classes - mixed gender and same gender and some great prizes up for grabs.
Coffs Harbour
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From special events like the Mongrel Dog Show and Partner Carrying Competition through to the more traditional wood chop and cattle parade there’s something for everybody as country shows make a comeback across the region.
The Bellingen Show is on May 8 and 9, with the Coffs Harbour Show starting on Friday April 30, and running through to Sunday May 2.
The Partner Carrying Competition is a uniquely Bellingen offering - introduced to the show program in 2014.
The format of this event is based on the Singleton Show’s Australian Wife Carrying Titles. In true Bellingen style the Bellinger River Agricultural Society has taken the crowd-pleasing event and put their own spin on it.
Two people complete a timed 100m course negotiating four obstacles. One of the couple must be carried by the other for the length of the course.
There are two classes, mixed gender and same gender. Unlike the Singleton and International events there is no requirement for the carrying partner to be male.
The last 12 months have seen many community events either cancelled or postponed and this includes our country shows.
There’s always something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s the great local food and entertainment, the carnival rides and side-show alley attractions, or the skill of the dressage.
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan is happy to see a number of local country shows back on the agenda this year.
“I enjoy taking the family to our local shows where together we spend some valuable time together, take in the sights, sounds and smells, and really appreciate what it means to be part of our mid-north coast community,” Mr Conaghan said.
“You always seem to bump into lots of local characters, learn more about the history of your local area and its people…and without doubt leave with a full belly and a smile on your face.”
Growing up in Kempsey he remembers having a great time at the local show.
“And what made it even better is that we were given a half day off school to go and have fun.”
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