The Bedgerabong community are recovering after a big show day on Saturday, which was once again a huge success.
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A large crowd converged on the Bedgerabong Showground despite the drizzly weather and while gate numbers were slightly down, organisers were pleased with the day.
“It went really well, weather considered,” Bedgerabong PA and H Association secretary Penny Carlisle said.
The rain held off for most of the day, with the occasional drizzle, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of show-goers who kicked on until 10pm that night.
The rain got steadier during the evening but Mrs Carlisle said it’s great for the farmers so no-one was complaining.
“I think it was a nice ending having some rain at the end,” she said.
The show was officially opened in the afternoon by Forbes Citizen of the Year Dan Herbert before the 2014 Showgirl contestants made a grand entrance on the back of a trike.
Stacey Webb was announced as the 2014 Bedgerabong Showgirl and was sashed by the 2013 winner Casey Maguire. Brooke Tattersall was runner-up.
“The showgirls looked great and Stacey will be a really good ambassador for Bedgerabong,” Mrs Carlisle said.
As the winner, Ms Webb received a bunch of flowers which were donated by Banksia Grove Florist and a spa pack from Flannery’s Pharmacy.
Alexander Earney’s impressive bathtub fire bucket was crowned the grand champion in the fire bucket contest, while John Darcy and Alister Carlisle were the welding grand champions.
Ryan Pritchard was the overall winner of the billy boiling competition, which was a hit amongst the young boys.
There were some great pavilion entries with a lot of people impressed with the hall as the new venue.
“It was probably the best layouts of the grounds I’ve seen and the hall being used as the pavilion was a highlight – we had some great feedback about that,” Mrs Carlisle said.
Another highlight of the day was the impressive fireworks display at night.
“The fireworks were incredible,” Mrs Carlisle said.
“They were the best fireworks I’ve seen in my life – it was so good.”
The House of Tribes were a huge crowd pleaser providing entertainment for the crowds during the day.
“I had that many comments about the band and how good they were,” Mrs Carlisle said.
Fishing exhibit, the Yamaha Super Tank, was also a popular attraction with constant crowds listening to the presentation by expert angler Michael Cooke.
Over at the Bedgerabong Dog Show arena, co-organiser Faye Dwyer said more than 400 dogs had been registered in seven groups this year, a slight decline on 2013.
Exhibitors and judges travelled from all over Australia for the competition, including Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland.
Cattle steward Russ Constable was also pleased with the quantity, and quality, of cattle entered this year.
“Our numbers are probably up a bit,” Mr Constable said. “For the season and the weather we’ve had today, I’m very, very happy with what people have brought here today, and the judges have been impressed too,” he said.
Visit www.forbesadvocate.com.au or pick up a copy of Thursday’s Advocate for more photos.
