THE official opening of the Royal Bathurst Show on Saturday was an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate 151 years of history made in the region.
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A crowd formed in the grandstand well before the start time in anticipation for the dignitaries' speeches and the grand parade.
Mayor Graeme Hanger added a lighthearted touch to proceedings, joking that Bathurst Regional Council had played no part in the bad weather that had put a dampener on the first day of the show.
"Council left the weather in charge of the show council for Friday. They didn't do a terribly good job with regards to the show, but with regards to the farmers it was terrific," he said.
"But council is claiming [responsibility] for the weather today and tomorrow."
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole, who was representing the Premier of NSW, felt the bulk of the credit for the event had to go to the show society's life members.
He said that, without them, the show likely wouldn't have reached its 151st anniversary.
"When you have a show that has been running over 151 years, there has been past members and past presidents that have given up their time to make this show the success that it is today," Mr Toole said.
"To be able to say that this show is still running after 151 years, it is a testament to everybody that's been involved."
Importantly, the backbone of the Bathurst show has been the agricultural competitions and displays, showcasing the region's finest animals, equipment and people.
Mr Toole said that it was bigger than just an event.
"This agricultural show is about showing us where we come from, our roots. It's about seeing some of the things that are on display here at the show, things that we see each and every year, whether it be the livestock, the wood chopping, the shearing," he said.
"They are the things that remind us why it is good to live in this community."
Another part of the grand opening was the announcement of some of the awards presented across the show.
One of the two Royal Bathurst Show Supreme Exhibit awards were announced, the Static Exhibit award being presented to Scott and Amy Curran of Oberon for their champion spinning and weaving exhibit.
The Livestock Exhibit award was unable to be announced during the official opening as judging was still under way.
The official proceedings concluded with the grand parade, which featured historic cars, school children, emergency service vehicles, tractors, some of the Team Isuzu D-MAX vehicles and even a bus.
