Lismore photographer Jacklyn Wagner to document Lismore Show

New rides, woodchop championships and a well known Lismore photographer’s exhibition are among a “spectacular” list of attractions for the esteemed country show, now in its 136th year.

The 2024 North Coast National Elder’s Lismore Show, celebrating its 136th year, opens on Thursday.

Since 1885, the “community centre” event has only missed three shows according to Lismore Show president John Gibson.

With a host of new events and “spectacular” planned entertainment, the show is set to unveil something special this year.

Famed local photographer Jacklyn Wagner, known for photographing people in varied situations and circumstances, has donated several images for a permanent display inside the renovated Norma’s Kitchen at the Lismore Showgrounds.

“Jacklyn has taken all these photo’s we’ve had framed from last year’s show,” Mr Gibson said.

“They’re spectacular and I think they’ll create a lot of interest.”

Event co-ordinator Libby Lund-McDonald, left, North Coast National Lismore Show President John Gibson with award-winning photojournalist Jacklyn Wagner at the unveiling of her Lismore Show photographs in Norma’s Kitchen at Lismore.

Mr Gibson said the photographs give a “fly-on-the-wall” view of the work that goes into putting on the annual show.

“Jacklyn has a very unique talent of capturing the people behind the scenes who make the show what it is,” Mr Gibson said.

A passion project for the “retired” former chief photographer from the Northern Star, Wagner intends to return to the show this year and add to the collection.

“Hopefully it will turn into a beautiful gallery of documentary photographs,” Mr Gibson said.

He said the show has taken stock since the 2022 natural flooding disaster and “evolved”.

“Over in sideshow alley this year we’ve got rides that have never been in NSW before. They’re fresh from America,” he said.

The Australian Woodchop Championship is another first for the 2024 Lismore Show.

“One of the competitors has been a world wood chop champion,” Mr Gibson said.

North Coast National Lismore Show President John Gibson at Norma's Kitchen with photographs by Jacklyn Wagner.

“We have almost 250 exhibitors in the pavilions this year, which is the first time in a long time, and we have about 170 entrants in the Tursa Art Prize.”

There will be 300 beef cattle entrants along with 75 steers, and the trademark fireworks will be held Saturday night.

Gates open Thursday, October 17, and the Show runs until Saturday, October 19.

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