It had been two years in the making, but the Royal Bathurst Show made a triumphant return over the weekend, providing countless avenues of entertainment to keep the community occupied over three days.
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Thrill-seekers ventured to the nearest amusement ride, agrarians observed the agricultural offerings, children [and adults] picked out an ideal showbag and, on Friday and Saturday night, everyone stood in unity to witness spectacular fireworks displays.
Bathurst Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Association president Col McPhee said the event was everything organisers had hoped for.
"The competitions have been really good, the weather's been stellar, exhibitions have been fantastic, the crowd has been outstanding- I can think of many superlative to describe this weekend's success," Mr McPhee said.
"I don't think you could single one thing out and say it was better than everything else; it's been a fantastic show all round."
The Bathurst A, H and P Association were forced to make the difficult decision of cancelling last year's show due to COVID-19, with restrictions significantly reducing the viability of staging the event.
But Mr McPhee said it was a good feeling to reward the community for their patience.
"The show is an iconic event in the Bathurst community, and it was with a heavy heart that we had to can it last year," Mr McPhee said.
"But the crowd certainly turned out in their droves, maintained COVID safety, and we couldn't be more pleased with how smoothly things went."
A major talking point for the show in the lead-up was how the NRL game at Carrington Park would affect attendance on Saturday afternoon, often a peak time for the event.
But Mr McPhee said the neighbouring NRL event had positive effect on the show, with Carrington Park and Bathurst Showground in close proximity to each other.
"A lot of people came across after the game, there were plenty of Penrith and Manly jerseys among the crowd on Saturday night," he said.
"The crowd for the fireworks on Saturday night was one of the biggest I've seen."
"We like to think this show features one of the best fireworks displays in the region, and I don't think anyone would argue with that after the weekend."
Mr McPhee said another major drawcard was the new Ferris wheel, which offered panoramic views of greater Bathurst.
"It's the biggest Ferris wheel in Australia, and it arrived from the United States just before COVID," he said.
"The same Ferris wheel had just appeared at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and it had special booths for people with a disability, so everyone had the chance to take a ride."
Mr McPhee said the event's success has organisers in great spirits for next year.
"Autumn is the ideal time for this event, as agricultural produce is booming and the weather is generally kind to us," he said.
"We hope to return bigger and better next year, and we aim to offer more for the younger crowd."
Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said the show made a vital contribution to a bumper weekend for local entertainment.
"I had a feeling a lot of people from the football would come across to the show, so it shows major events can compliment each other," Cr Bourke said.
"We're very lucky to have such an iconic show."
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