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Gallery: Thousands pour through the gates at Fraser Coast Show

Thousands of people have soaked up sunshine and fun at the Fraser Coast Show. PHOTOS, STORY

Tamika and Ebony Doughtry, Alexis Hay and Willow at the Fraser Coast Show.
Tamika and Ebony Doughtry, Alexis Hay and Willow at the Fraser Coast Show.

Thousands have enjoyed sunshine and fun at the Fraser Coast Show.

From showjumping to the woodchop and everything in between, a huge crowd turned up on Friday after a relatively quiet day on Thursday.

The event began with the opening of the main hall on Thursday after its $4.4 million refurbishment, which finished just in time for the show.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the council was committed to ensuring the showgrounds and equestrian park continued to be a focal point for large outdoor gatherings and events on the Fraser Coast for many years to come.

“The facility is used by many groups, including the Fraser Coast Agricultural Show Society; Lifeline holds an annual Bookfest here, and the Rotary Clubs from Hervey Bay and Maryborough hold educational events here,” he said.

“We aim to ensure the facility continues attracting significant events such as lifestyle expos, caravan and RV rallies and car shows.

Errol Bartz from Hervey Bay Bird Club.
Errol Bartz from Hervey Bay Bird Club.

“The facility is a fantastic venue, and there is a great opportunity to attract even more events which would greatly boost the regional economy.”

The refurbishment of the main hall was one of the first projects outlined in the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park Strategic Plan that was undertaken by council.

“Structural inspections confirmed that the building had reached a point where maintenance was no longer effective or viable,” Cr Seymour said.

“While the steel frame of the building was kept, the external walls and inside facilities (toilets and office space) were demolished and rebuilt.

Shamia and Ella at the Fraser Coast Show.
Shamia and Ella at the Fraser Coast Show.

“It is exciting that the facility is open just in time for the annual show.”

At the decorative cake display, volunteer Gay Lynch was also celebrating winning champion cake with her delicious Paddington Bear.

It took her 30 hours to create the cake.

Ms Lynch was inspired to make it after watching the beloved bear share tea and a marmalade sandwich with the Queen.

She was there with fellow winner Beverly Hibberd.

The two have a friendly rivalry when it comes to decorating cakes.

A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A huge crowd gathered at the Fraser Coast Show on Friday.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
A bumper crowd turns out for the Fraser Coast Show.
Sideshow Alley at the Fraser Coast Show.
Sideshow Alley at the Fraser Coast Show.
Sam, Julie and Luke Joynson looking at the cake display at the Fraser Coast Show.
Sam, Julie and Luke Joynson looking at the cake display at the Fraser Coast Show.
The showjumping at the Fraser Coast Show.
The showjumping at the Fraser Coast Show.
Kylie and Kayden Sutherland looking at the birds at the Fraser Coast Show.
Kylie and Kayden Sutherland looking at the birds at the Fraser Coast Show.
A winning cake on display at the Fraser Coast Show.
A winning cake on display at the Fraser Coast Show.
Colton and Ciara enjoying the Fraser Coast Show.
Colton and Ciara enjoying the Fraser Coast Show.
A family having fun at the Fraser Coast Show.
A family having fun at the Fraser Coast Show.
A display of cakes at the Fraser Coast Show.
A display of cakes at the Fraser Coast Show.
Mem, Tiff and Zion at the Fraser Coast Show.
Mem, Tiff and Zion at the Fraser Coast Show.
A homing pigeon on display at the Fraser Coast Show.
A homing pigeon on display at the Fraser Coast Show.
A display at the Fraser Coast Show.
A display at the Fraser Coast Show.
Gay Lynch and Beverly Hibbard with their winning cakes at the Fraser Coast Show.
Gay Lynch and Beverly Hibbard with their winning cakes at the Fraser Coast Show.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour with the Fraser Coast Show's biggest pumpkin.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour with the Fraser Coast Show's biggest pumpkin.

Originally published as Gallery: Thousands pour through the gates at Fraser Coast Show

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/gallery-fraser-coast-show-begins-with-a-bang/news-story/43cb97221f4151f736d6991f2ff8119b