With the Kempsey Show back on the calendar we take a look back at some highlights from the early years.
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This year’s show will run over September 16-17 and Kempsey Show Society’s Chris Anderson says it will have an “emphasis on youth”.
“There’ll be a young farmer’s competition for the first time, and the camp draft will be coming back,”
- Kempsey Show Society’s Chris Anderson.
The first ever Kempsey Show was held on September 7 and 8, 1881 near the Good Templars’ Hall near Belgrave and Holman Streets, Kempsey.
According to local historian Fran Wale, horse and cattle winners received gold, silver and bronze medals. There was also a ‘ploughing match’ in what was known as Ramsay’s paddock and at one time the site of the Salvation Army Citadel.
Locally produced maize was well represented along with butter made in wooden churns.
In 1882 the trots were organised on Glenrock Plains and had an impressive 832 entries. Also in this year, the show society was granted 18 acres of land and funding for show purposes in Sea Street and an agricultural hall, cattle sheds and horse stalls were erected.
The 1886 show was the last one to be held in the Good Templars Hall.
The booming dairy industry at the time meant cream separators were a popular exhibit in 1890. This growth continued and was on display in 1896 when there were butter entries from Frederickton, Smithtown and Kinchela factories.
Rain on opening day was actually celebrated in 1902 as show goers watched as a two-year drought broke.
Concerts and experimental plots for farmers were introduced in 1907. A larger ring was completed in 1927-28 and the grandstand, kiosk, bandstand and poultry pavilions moved to other sites.
A jubilee show went ahead in 1931 despite the depression thanks to a huge committee consisting of 36 men and 43 women. Banana packing and dogs were interesting new features.
From the depression through to WWII and ensuing floods and droughts the old adage ‘the show must go on’ has rung true in Kempsey.
And earlier this year when safety concerns and heavy rain posed an issue the decision was made to postpone, not cancel, the iconic event.
Keep watching this space for more stories on the history of the Kempsey Show.
If you have any photos or stories you would like to share email janine.watson@fairfaxmedia.com.au