High numbers streamed through the gates of the Gin Gin Show over the weekend to enjoy the fun and festivities on offer at the 110th annual event.
Gin Gin Show Society president Kerryn Flanders said numbers had remained on par with previous successful events.
“The highlights so far are the grand parade we started last year, the free kids entertainment and for the fireworks there was a maximum crowd in the grandstand,” Ms Flanders said.
She said the strong support for the annual event was visible throughout the grounds with all funds raised going straight back in to the show.
“The actual main show ring is divided into four sections. We totally replaced the old timber palings and replaced it with steel fencing and it was completed this year.”
Proceeds from last year’s show also allowed the society to put on the popular free kids entertainment which included a petting zoo, kids rodeo, gladiator competition and racing pigs.
The 110th event also marked 10 years since the passing of wood chopper Don Dingle who suffered a heart attack while competing at the Gin Gin Show.
“They’ve got a fair number of choppers here today.
“We get the most choppers for a country show. They do come here because of that connection.”
Gin Gin Show hosts region’s young champions
The Gin Gin Show also plays host to the Burnett sub-chamber finals each year for studs beef young judges, stud beef young parader and prime beef young judges.
“We’ve got a good grounds and we’re central,” Kerryn said.
“Their numbers were down a little but still going strong.”
The Bundaberg Region was well represented in the competition with Bundaberg, Childers or Gin Gin youngsters placing in most of the categories [see the full list of winners below].
Divisional representative Cr Wayne Honor said the Gin Gin Show was a wonderful occasion.
“This is one of the top country shows in Queensland,” Cr Honor said.
“People keep returning here for the experience.”
He said the many competitions and showcases celebrated the best that Gin Gin had to offer.
“It’s important to recognise all the agricultural, pastoral and industrial uses within our hinterland area and right across the Bundaberg Region,” he said.
“With all the visitors coming from far and wide this makes a top competition and people return just for the nostalgia of being at a country show and experiencing all the country has to give.
“The community come out in great support of the Gin Gin show because it has a full range.”
Volunteers keep show on track
Cr Honor said it was also an occasion to recognise the many volunteers throughout the community, including the show society for hosting the event and the organisations that held displays.
“The Gin Gin Show has been run by volunteers continuously for the full 110 years,” he said.
“It’s the volunteers that keep it going.”
Ms Flanders agreed that the event would not have been possible without the donation of time made by many residents.
That was underscored by the marking of 110 years.
“We’re a strong show society, that 110 years has proved that. We aren’t struggling and we’re going strong,” she said.
“A lot of people don’t realise the show society is run totally on volunteers; nobody gets paid.
“The volunteers are just amazing.”
Burnett sub-chamber finals winners
Paraders U15
1. Teely Wolff – Gin Gin
2. Cooper mollenhagen – Gayndah
3. Kayne Mitchell – Monto
Paraders 15-25
1. Stephanie Flint – Biggenden
2. Western Wendt – Eidsvold
3. Greta Dunne – Gayndah
Stud judges U15
1. Kayne Mitchell – Monto
2. Dallas Mollenhagen – Gayndah
3. Flynn Suenderman – Bundaberg
Stud Judges 15-25
1. Anna Phillips – Mount Perry
2. Western Wendt – Eidsvold
3. Ivia-May Riddell – Gayndah
Prime Judges U15
1. Jessica Warren – Childers
2. Kayne Mitchell – Monto
3. Declan Dunne – Gin Gin
Prime judges 15-25
1. Ivia-May Riddell – Gin Gin
2. Claire Goody – Eidsvold
3. Alex Whitaker – Childers
