Since 1878, the Royal Bathurst Show has brought the entire community together in celebration of all things agricultural, horticultural, pastoral and all-round entertaining.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Next weekend, the long-running event will again transform the Bathurst Showground into a menagerie of rides, showbags, exhibitions and of course, animals.
But through all the attractions and showcases, Bathurst A, H and P's executive secretary Brett Kenworthy says the event is an agricultural show at its heart.
"An agricultural show is primarily about the competition, the livestock, the arts and crafts and around that, you have the other elements of the show, such as rides, amusements and entertainment," Mr Kenworthy said.
"Behind the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the Hawkesbury Show, we've got the best show in the state."
Mr Kenworthy has been involved with the organisation of the show for nine years, and said this year's event could be the biggest ever for livestock.
"Historically, the expansion of livestock sales is why the show went from a two-day to a three-day event in 1892," he said.
"We always look for inventive ways to reward excellence in agricultural production, and our show attracts some of the finest producers from across the country."
A breakaway success of last year's show was the Celebrity Motorised Esky Charity Challenge, and Mr Kenworthy said the event will be making a return this year.
"It could very well be a 'Ford versus Holden' thing this year because we've got an assortment of blue and red vehicles," he said.
This year's event will be the 151st installment of the show, and Mr Kenworthy said the illustrious history of the show has ensured its continued appeal in the Bathurst community.
"I think the historical context for all shows is that they were the first advocacy bodies for scientific and academic development in the field of agriculture," he said.
"In addition, they've become events that bind smaller communities together, and because our show has a history that dates back to the 1850s, it has been a leading community event for generations of Bathurstians."
READ ALSO: Royal Bathurst Show celebrates 150th year
According to Mr Kenworthy, the weather plays a major role in determining the success of a show, and hopes the forecast will be kind to the event this year.
"The difference between a show with fine weather and one with adverse weather is around 8000 people, which can amount to around $100,000 in gate sales," he said.
The show will run from May 3 to 5. For the event's program and ticketing information, visit www.bathurstshow.com.au.