Freds Pass: Territorians, visitors indulge in all things rural

The theme was rural, but there was something for everyone at Freds Pass Rural Show. See all the photos.

Brett Robin and Brad Meyer from Victoria came to the show to partake in the crowd favourite wood cutting shows.

Locals and visitors alike came far and wide for the opening day of Freds Pass Rural Show, with thousands enjoying the colourful music, interactive animals, fun rides and tasty food.

The hardest part of the day was finding a park, with the surrounding overflow parking packed with vehicles.

Once inside, however, an endless list of things to do awaited families.

Brett Robin and Brad Meyer of Victoria had made the long-haul flight to take part in the crowd favourite wood chopping show – an activity which did not disappoint onlookers.

“It’s been a good event so far, I think (day one) went really well,” Mr Meyer said.

“We had a good crowd and the wood has been really good to cut – milky pine from Queensland so it’s been a good day.”

The woodchopping show was a clear favourite among the attendees.

Mr Meyer said he would enjoy the pleasant Dry Season conditions while he could.

“It takes a bit of getting used to, there’s a lot of sweat, but we’re loving it.”

Mr Meyer said he would enjoy a cold beer to celebrate event.

“We have a couple of blisters but it’s all good, everybody loves the show.”

Other events included opportunities for attendees to ride horses, pet birds, play shooter games and enjoy the rides.

MLA Mark Turner was also seen in attendance, lapping up another crowd favourite – the local birdlife.

Colin Parkinson's family of birds drew hundreds of people throughout the day.

Colin Parkinson of Darwin and Rural NT Bird Association said the macaws had been a hit with children and adults alike.

“Yeah, people love them,” he said.

“(Macaws) are very good companions, they’ll work out your personality.”

Freds Pass Rural Show is on for its second and final day on Sunday, May 26, from 9am.

Slushies were in high demand.

The crowds were heaving from the early morning to the end of the day.

Kids enjoyed the animal pens, with plenty of up close interactions enjoyed.

Some young Territorians donned a companion for much of the day.

For those that dared, the Haunted House offered many visitors a thrill that was... not so rural.

Rural vehicles, among other kit and equipment, were presented for sale.

All the action from the Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Lynne O’Meara

All the action from the Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Lynne O’Meara

All the action from the Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Lynne O’Meara

All the action from the Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Lynne O’Meara

All the action from the Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Lynne O’Meara

All the action from the Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Lynne O’Meara

All the action from the Fred's Pass Rural Show. Picture: Lynne O’Meara