Blue skies livened up the Young Showgrounds to celebrate the 150th Young Show Society event, which was nothing short of a triumph.
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A constant flow of people filled up the grounds with ease and while the crowd wasn’t record-breaking, the turnout surpassed average numbers, leaving Young Show president Emma Godsell and her team satisfied with a job well done.
Celebrating such a significant milestone required more than just good weather, and Emma was at the forefront of a vibrant array of activities.
“We had lots of extra entertainment, including memorabilia and heritage displays, with a trophy from 1883 housed in the pavilion and a crocheted pin cushion that was 100 years old,” she says.
“Two weeks before the event, we dedicated our broadcast box to some very special gentlemen as well.”
Emma says that for a small local show, the committee was chuffed with the results, as the event showcased 35 striking trucks, 38 cars and 48 bikes — up from just three bikes last year.
She says the success was due in large part to the dedicated team who are passionate about their roles, helping to ensure everything ran smoothly on the day.
Jimmy Cool from the TV show Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under brought his wrecker and big rotator, drawing a young crowd eager to learn about the massive machine.
“Not many people in Young have seen a rotator or a recovery truck like that before, only those of us who are in the trucking industry would know what they look like,” Emma says.
“We’re trying to be more educational, and the kids love them because they’re so big.”
The show was packed with activities, from the truck, car and motorbike show to the tractor pull, prime lamb hoof and hook competition, cattle judging, and a Lego display for the kids.
Adding to the excitement, awards were handed out to recognise some amazing truckies and their dazzling rigs (see the category winners below).
Emma presented show co-ordinator Donald Bushby with an appreciation award for his commitment and dedication to running the truck, car and bike shows for the past few years.
Since Covid, Donald has initiated all three competitions, but 2024 was his last year organising the show as he steps down from the role.
As the day drew to a close, the excitement peaked when the fireworks were announced, wrapping up the celebrations with an invigorating bang.
“Seeing everyone get super hyped up and excited, that was my little, ‘We’ve made it’ moment, we did it!” Emma says.
But beyond the grand festivities, Emma understands the deeper significance of community gatherings like this one.
“This is the town’s show and the town’s committee and especially after Covid took this all away from us, we realised the importance of having community events.
“A lot of people I spoke to on the day told me they had caught up with people they hadn’t seen since the show last year.
“That’s what it’s all about, the community aspect, having a day out and seeing people you wouldn’t normally see.”
She adds: “I took on this presidency because I saw what this show could be, and I really wanted to make that happen.
“Now it’s taking shape, and I am more than content with everything.”
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