It’s Show Time

Mick and I have both been regular attendees of the Royal Bathurst Show since we were little tackers, when it was a major event on the annual calendar.  Back in the days when you had a new outfit for the event, wearing your finest.  We both still enjoy our day at the show each year.  It is a time where you tend to run into people you only see very occasionally, and have a great catch up.

Now that we are not working, we can go down on the Friday, which is the first day, and is a little quieter.  Today, after our second frost for the year, the weather was absolutely glorious, so a lovely day to have a wander around.

Our first port of call, after we had stopped and chatted with three people we knew, on the way from the car park to the pavilion, was to check out the craft section.  For the last few years I have started entering items again, after a hiatus of about 45 years.  I entered six items.  Most were very basic things I have made during the year, but at least it gives the judges something to look at, as the number of entries have been dwindling over the years.  How did I go?

My knitted scarf and crochet shawl did no good, as expected. Let’s face it, they were the most basic stitches and projects.  It was nice to see that there were several entrants in each class.

I was very happy to receive a second for my Churn Dash Quilt, which I entered in the section “Quilt - Machine Pieced and Hand or Machine Quilted - All Own Work”.  As this was the first large quilt I have completed with Monique, it was a pleasant surprise.  I couldn’t work out which was the winning entry.

The big surprise was winning first place with my knitted beanie.  It was only a fairly simple pattern and there were several entrants.  Yes, quite a pleasant surprise.

You can see it better here. 

There were only two pairs of socks entered and I received the first place there too.  Surprising, as the other pair had cables, whereas mine were just plain.  I’m not complaining, though.

Finally, I had entered the beanie I knitted last year out of Dad’s homespun wool.  The only section it suited was “Homespun garment or accessory in 8ply or over”.  Not only did it win its class, but it won a Champion prize.  I’m not quite sure what the champion is for, as I couldn’t read the card clearly.  Now, that really was a surprise.  Yes, there is a little colour work in it, but it is just rather simple and plain knitting.

Now to have a look at what else was on display.  I must say, there was in increase in the number of entries this year, which was nice to see,  One lady scooped the pool with her quilts.  They really were beautiful, and so well made.

My favourite was the one with the braided design, but with curved piecing.  Beautiful use of colour.

These were also hers.

There was some beautiful cross stitch and blackwork by one lady in particular.  She was the most successful in that section.

The champion crochet item was an incredibly detailed mandala rug.  So much work and such great use of colour.

This knitted rug made such good use of hand dyed wool.  The maker is a family friend and always so creative.

Mick was very take with a leather helmet that had been beautifully crafted.  Such detail.

There weren’t a lot of entries in the floral section, being late in the season, but this mini garden caught our eye.

As we wandered into the next pavilion, it was great to see such a large showing of wool fleeces.  We always look for the names of some friends in this section.  It was good to see some new names cropping up and a variety of winners.

By now it was lunch time.  Outside there is a stages with seating and tables.  We enjoyed a delicious lamb lunch listening to some great blues and folk music. There is so much local talent.

There is a section outside where some local blacksmiths show their wares.  One fellow had created this rather fanciful piece, which periodically smoked from all the chimneys.  There are several small individually cast bronze figures climbing over it.  Such creativity.

Mick liked the look of this beast.  He reckons he could have a lot of fun with it……..at the cost of a very nice medium car.  Dream on….

I like to visit the Animal Nursery.  How cute are these little Isa Brown chicks.  The little pouches are to prevent you from getting pooped on your hands.  A very good idea.

The goats were very friendly.

The little piglets were quite popular with the little kidlets.

Finally, we had a wander around sideshow alley.

It is always so colourful, but does lack atmosphere during daylight hours.

Surprisingly, these were the only clowns at the show.  This set, have been turning up for many years. There was no stand with just clowns.  I must be showing my age.  Sadly, there are no merry-go-rounds any more.  The closest is the teacups.  There used to be two beautiful merry-go-rounds when we were kids, one was even steam drive.  It was really sad when they stopped coming.

On our way out, we had to indulge in an ice cream with sprinkles.  This seems to be something we like to do at shows.  Big kids, aren’t we.

We had lawn bowls this afternoon,  so it was time to head home, after a lovely day out. 

The fireworks are on each evening, and best of all, we can watch from our front verandah. as they are so far away, no decent photos with my phone, but you get the idea.

The Show goes for another two days, which will be much busier, but I think we had the best day weather wise.  Now to wait for another twelve months to do it all again.