THE 105th Macksville Show is off to a picture perfect start, with the ring events underway and a steady stream of people viewing the exhibits.
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While the show won’t hit full stride until tomorrow as sideshow alley cranks into gear, there was plenty to see, experience and sample at the showground this morning.
The ring was the domain for horses and riders, while the commercial vendors – with everything from showbags to ride-on mowers and homemade goods – was in full swing.
In the pavilions, the chooks clucked as posses of schoolkids gawked, while a popular destination was the hall showcasing the best cakes, woollen items and top veg, including of course pumpkins the size of a small washing machine.
There was even an old gramophone brought to life playing songs from yesteryear.
Hear the Edison gramophone:
Near the southern entrance to the show was a mean machine SS Commodore which contested last year’s World Rally Championship in the Nambucca Valley.
“The car was third outright in the two-wheel-drive section of the Australian Championship and it was completely built in our workshop at the Macksville Auto Group,” Lindsay Collits told the Guardian.
Other machinery to catch the eye was lovingly restored vintage tractors, where older men gibed about the virtues of the Fordsons versus the Olivers.
The canteen was doing a brisk trade, and thankfully, one of the food vans was sole providore of that show staple – the super-sized dagwood dog.
This is one big bird:
Saturday highlights this year include the Lumberjack Show, which will have three performances.
Wood chopping and ring events are all on the program plus ute barrel racing, all the sideshows and the spectacular fireworks display from 8pm followed by the finale Demolition Derby.
The opening honours will be done by former show director and current cattle steward Bryan Watts, who together with his wife Marion, are long time beef exhibitors.
Alongside the main game on Saturday, there will be the Youth Chill Out Space, a place for youth to chill, listen to music, access free water, youth health and other information.
Entertainment includes local performer Natalie Brandolini and seven-piece funky soul group, The Brothers.
