Grace, the daughter of Grant and Stephanie Allen, said she grew up entering the various competitions at Forbes Show – art, photography, Anzac biscuits, junior showgirl sections - and always loved it.

She said the weekend gave her a whole new insight into the annual event and she encouraged others to seek out their opportunities at next year’s Show.

Grace, now a registered nurse working in Orange’s ICU, said she had been enormously impressed by the hard work carried out by volunteers in the lead-up to the Show to make it all happen.

She and her fellow Showgirl contestants got to visit much of the Show throughout the two days and she enjoyed the “behind the scenes experience”.

“From the hard work of all the volunteers on Thursday – the amazing commitment they have – to being involved in all the different areas from the cattle judging to the shearing, sashing Miss Tiny Tot and encouraging younger people,” she said.

It was Grace’s own show involvement as a child – from winning the Miss Junior sash to champion junior photograph and even the Anzac bikkies that never did win - that made her aim for the Forbes Showgirl title.

“I’d just encourage people to be part of it – you don’t just have to go in it to win it,” she said. 

“It’s fun and it’s enjoyable – and there is something for everyone.”

She echoed Show official guest Tom Dwyer – and 2017 Sydney Royal Show Legend - in calling on others to be part of it in future.

“I’d like to continue tradition, keep it alive so my children can have the experience I had,” Grace said.

Our Showgirl is now looking forward to her year as Forbes Show’s ambassador, including both community involvement and representation at Showgirl events starting with zone judging in Blayney.

“It’s about showing the rest of NSW what we offer … but learning from other shows and districts as well,” Grace explained. 

More Show photos page 4 and in Friday’s Advocate.