Chinchilla Show estimates more than 5000 people attended highly anticipated event

Early attendance numbers for the popular Western Downs show has indicated it was the best event in the past 10 years, with upwards of 5000 people flocking to the action-packed event.

GREAT TURNOUT: The Chinchilla Show Society believes they’ve had their best show in the last ten years, with early numbers indicated more than 5000 people attended. Picture: Sam Turner

The Chinchilla Show Society has revealed it’s had its best show in recent memory, with early attendance numbers indicating more than 5000 people flocked to the exciting ag event.

Held at the Chinchilla Showgrounds on May 21—22, the event made its valiant return after it was cancelled due to coronavirus in 2020.

This led to punters returning in force this year and attendee numbers coming in at significantly higher than previous years, according to show society president Lisa Walsh.

“We’re still totalling them as we had a lot of online bookings and memberships, but it seemed like the crowd was bigger, particularly on Saturday,” she said.

“This year’s would probably be the best one we’ve had in a decade.”

Mrs Walsh said the rise in numbers could be attributed to their hiatus last year, coupled with it being one of the first major events in Chinchilla for 2021.

“Everybody wants to start getting out and doing things since we’ve had about 12 months off,” she said.

“So this year’s show brought everyone back with a vengeance.”

Keen punters came out in droves for the 2021 Chinchilla Show, enjoying a family fun day. Picture: Sam Turner

Mrs Walsh said they would usually average 4000 punters over the two days, but believed this year’s instalment exceeded well over 5000.

She said it was lovely to witness everyone joining in the festivities.

“We’ve had so much feedback about the Rooftop Express and the fireworks on Friday night,” she said.

“They promised us a spectacular, and they gave us one.

“Even the trade sites and food guys said they had a massive show, and believed it was the best they’ve had this year so far.”

Mrs Walsh said last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic was shocking, but said the rodeo in February last year helped offset the financial hit suffered.

Originally published as Chinchilla Show estimates more than 5000 people attended highly anticipated event