150th Royal Bathurst Show

As anyone who knows us is aware, we love a good show, especially our local one.

This year, due to work commitments we only had a chance to pop down for a look see on Friday evening, but we packed in as much as we could in that time.

Firstly, the outside attractions. 

 We arrived just in time to see the D-Max utes going through their paces.

Unfortunately, the livestock section was closed for the evening, as were quite a few exhibits.  Not to worry, we still saw heaps.

There is a community stage where local talent keeps us entertained.  Unfortunately, there was a dust storm, followed by some rain which hunted patrons inside, so there weren't too many in the audience at this point.

Of course, side show alley has to be visited after dark for the best effect.  What was really strange this year, was that even at night we only needed short sleeves.  Normally it is cold at the show.

When we went into the pavilions Mick was accosted by a very friendly dog.  Mars Petcare (maker of Schmackos and Pedigree for dogs and Whiskettes for cats) is celebrating 40 years of production at Bathurst.on 

Now to check out the creative section of the show.

There were some cleverly decorated cakes to celebrate the 150th show.

The numbers of entries were certainly up on previous years, which was great to see.

The kid's art section took in a huge area.  It looked so colourful and bright.  Here's hoping some of the kids continue to exhibit in the future. It reminded me a bit of when I was in primary school and every girl in the town made a pin wheel in third class.  They were then all entered in the show by the schools. How the judges picked a winner is beyond me.

A part of the Western Regions display at the Royal Easter Show is always included in our show.  The designs on the letters of  "Youth" were really clever.

Little Sofala School got in the swing of things with their vegetable carving.

More art.  The quality of the art this year was really high.  Wonderful to see.

These came from the Nursing Home where Mum lives.

Stunning photographic section.

Now that is one cool wheeley walker.  It was created by one of the local nursing homes.

I loved the colourful mandala rug.

Beautiful knitting.

My Mum earned a second prize with her blue scarf.  She also received a second prize with her crochet, but I couldn't see it.  Apparently it was displayed in a different section.

The Needlework section was looking quite full, whereas for the last few years it has been rather bare.

You may see in the top left hand corner a blue and white quilt.  Well, I was actually able to enter a quilt in the show.  Two factors allowed this to happen.  Firstly, I finished a quilt (that always helps) and secondly, it met the requirements of one of the classes.  My previous quilts have been machine appliqued and pieced and there is only a section for hand applique and piecing.  This one went in "Hand or machined pieced, commercially quilted".

I was rather pleased and humbled when we arrived to see a red, white and blue ribbon on my quilt.  I had won champion of the section.  

I very nearly didn't get my entry in on time, as entries had to be delivered by lunch time on 6th April, but I wanted to take my quilt to Baradine for show and tell on 5th April, so decided that I'd rather take it to Baradine, and enter the show next year.  I received a phone call on the Sunday night we returned home saying I could deliver it on the Monday morning.  Phew. I'm so pleased they made that call.

We capped the evening off by watching the spectacular fireworks from our verandah - a surprise bonus of living where we do. It's funny how the finale of fireworks displays now seem to be white, rather than multicoloured.  They remind me of dandelions.

The show had some challenges this year with the weather, firstly a hot windy Friday, then a dust storm and rain that night.  Saturday was cooler, but blowing a gale. Sunday was cooler again, but not quite as windy.  Despite the weather, the locals turned out to make the event a great success.  Here's looking forward to many more shows in the future.