Show me the way to Wentworth
August 26, 2011By GRANT MAYNARD
Arguably a contender for a top three place on the Mildura Weekly’s unofficial ‘Sunraysia’s favourite family events’ list, this year’s 126th annual Wentworth Show promises another two days of good, old-fashioned country hospitality and entertainment.
The crowd-please dog jump competition is back.
The show is one of the last authentic rural shows remaining in New South Wales, possibly the nation, and has been a firm family favourite for more than a century. It continues to cling strongly to its agricultural roots, while seamlessly incorporating contemporary entertainment that has ensured its appeal for generation after generation.
“We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly show,” organising committee secretary, Sue McKenzie, said.
“I think that focus has been one of the ‘secrets’ of our success.”
This year’s show will be opened at 2.30pm tomorrow by 24-year-old motorcycle racing ace and Aussie champion Josh Waters. Josh, who has been prominent on tracks both in Australia and overseas for several years, is standing in for his injured mate, and international speedway star, Leigh Adams, who is recovering from multiple injuries received in a horrific motorcycle accident during practise for this year’s Finke desert race.
Show organising committee member, Alan Behsman, said: “The Wentworth Show Society appreciates Josh standing in for Leigh. He is a fitting replacement, having distinguished himself, like Leigh, on the world stage of motorcycle racing.”
“The show will be a great opportunity for Sunraysia motorcycle enthusiasts to meet Josh.”
And in keeping with a focus on motorcycles, a static display promoting junior speedway will feature prominently this year.
The attractions at this year’s show will keep coming thick and fast for two days.
Tomorrow’s highlights include the whip cracking competition; the Pipe Dreams art show and competition; the popular sheep dog trials; 2011 Beaut Ute Competition; the Wearable Art Parade and the sheep shearing.
Sunday’s big drawcard will be the crowd-pleasing dog jump competition.
Other features that can be seen either day include the yard and utility dog competitions; the kids’ treasure hunt; the art and craft marquee; and, once again, the gourmet’s favourite – the Wentworth Community Bank Food and Wine Marquee.
For those interested in Sunraysia produce there is probably no better showcase; with everything from almonds and pistachios, to olives and dried fruit.
“We will have such a fabulous variety of foods available… and our clever producers are always striving to find new and better ways for consumers to enjoy the fruits of their labours. The marquee will be a must,” show society president, David Dawes, said.
“Other firm favourites in the marquee again this year include the Woolshed Pantry range of jams, chutneys, and pickles, and the hospitality students from Sunraysia College of TAFE who will once again be cooking up the proverbial storm this year supported by Glen Park Dorper Lamb and Merbein Mushrooms. Those two companies will be providing the main ingredients.
“Most other ingredients will be supplied by growers from the Sunraysia Farmers’ Market, so you know what you are tasting will be prepared from the freshest ingredients the region has to offer.”
Making a return again this year will be resident artist Marg Whyte’s quirky Wearable Art Competition – ‘From Woolpack to Catwalk.’
“Wentworth becomes the capital of the fashion world for a weekend,” she said with just a hint of mirth.
“I am told those who are competent with a Singer or Janome are going to great pains to create a range of glamorous garments, but nobody has been willing to reveal to much, so we have been left guessing what we might see this year.”
One of the show’s most appealing competitions for the younger generation, the Beaut Ute Competition, is back.
The categories for competition this year are Best Street Ute; Best Chick’s Ute; Most Accessories; Best Rural/Work Ute; Best 4WD Ute; Best Vintage/Classic Ute; Best Ford Ute; Best Holden Ute; and Best B&S Ute.
Entry fees for this year’s show are $17 for adults; $8 for pensioners and students and children under 16, $5.
A family ticket (two adults and up to four children under 16) is $35.
Children under four will be admitted free.
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