Get ready Bathurst because it’s that time of year. 

The Royal Bathurst Show begins on Friday, with big crowds expected across the three days.

Show president Sam Farraway expects crowds of over 20,000 at the Bathurst Showground. 

“From the average over the last five years and compared to the numbers the show got back in its heyday, we expect 20 to 23,000 over the three days,” he said.

“It takes about two weeks for everything to be set up and by Tuesday morning, it’s all gone.”

Some competition categories are just too big and judging is required before the show starts. 

All agricultural and produce competitions are all judged by Thursday, readying for display for Friday.

Mr Farraway said the show is the largest community event for the city.

“Being a royal show, we’re the only royal show in the country and one of the few outside the big cities,” he said.

“The expectation is higher being a royal show.

“We offer almost the same as Sydney Royal Easter Show, but you can see it all.”

Mr Farraway said the show is different from the Sydney show because the Royal Bathurst Show takes away the commercial aspect and makes it a locally maintained event.

“There will be regional animals, with local sponsors, and events are run by local schools,” he said.

“We’ve got all the traditional aspects on offer – needlework, art, fleece, animals – and what we are offering and displaying is almost the largest in country NSW.

“It’s a traditional event, but society is accelerating. Here you can get the Sydney experience, but all in one day. At the Easter Show you need two days to see everything.”  

Many of the schools in Bathurst will be heavily involved this year, especially The Scots School. As well, there are 70 young representatives in the 2017 Young Rural Achievers schedule. 

He also said that organisers will be tweaking what they do and have new commercial exhibitors.

“The Regional Producer Pavilion, which was launched two years ago, will have food and local crafts on offer,” he said.

Show bags will be located on the Great Western Highway side of the showground and Mr Farraway said Saturday will be the busiest day.

Royal Bathurst Show Society has been hard at work for the past 12 months, practically starting the planning for this year’s show after the 2016 concluded.

This year’s show will be the 149th Royal Bathurst Show, meaning next year’s 150th anniversary will be a significant milestone for the city’s show. 

Gates open at 9am, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The show will finished at 10pm on both Friday and Saturday, but will conclude earlier on Sunday at 4pm.

Tickets are still available at www.bathurstshow.com.au or the gate on the day.

Call 6331 3175 for further information.