It wasn’t just the sausages that were sizzling at the Pambula Show on Saturday, January 12 as the mercury climbed over 30 degrees. However that didn’t stop the wood choppers, chain sawers, oyster shuckers, show jumpers and jumping dogs from being part of the hot action.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
President of the show committee Russell Fitzpatrick admitted that the heat had an effect on numbers.
“From 10am to 12.30pm there was a great crowd in but quite a few left to go to the beach because of the hot weather,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
But he said that overall the committee was pleased with the show which boasted several free events for kids including a climbing wall, jumping castle and face painting.
“The climbing wall was a highlight for the kids,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
And it wasn’t just the mercury and the kids climbing; as part of a celebrity challenge member for Bega Andrew Constance hit the wall along with Pambula Surf Life Saving committee member Andrew Holt and Trent Fitzpatrick, a tree climber at Sapphire Coast Trees.
While he didn’t win or come second in the challenge, Mr Constance put up a good fight especially against the very quick and agile Trent Fitzpatrick.
Those selling ice cream and cold drinks did a roaring trade and a good shady spot overlooking the wood chop arena was at a premium. Competitors included Victorian state representatives and the South East Axemen and for something a little different, there were a couple of chain saw events.
As usual the dog jumps proved very popular with a good crowd happy to sit in the sun and cheer on the four legged competitors.
People sought regular respite from the heat in the pavilion where all things art, craft and from the garden were on display.
“The pavilion entries were up by about 100 with vegies up but flowers down, although the quality was still very good and more young people entering art and photography exhibits,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
The flower and vegetable sections were helped by a prodigious number of entries from Robyn Bain who also collected quite a few winners cards.
The equestrian events continue to be a draw card for the show and an extra ring helped the events to move along.
“Since we’ve levelled that area and grassed it the Pony Club has been booming with a big increase in numbers,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
The 110th show once again saw the support of many members of the local Gordon family who have been involved for over 80 years. The family was represented by Gwen Moffitt, Jack Gordon, Ruth Nelson, Margaret Gordon and Maddi James.
“Maddi is the great granddaughter of Keith and Margaret Gordon and the fifth generation to ride in the equestrian events and be involved in the show,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
At the official opening of the show, Gwen Moffitt said she was “so proud to be part of the Pambula Shows”.
“One of my earliest memories is of my brother in the horse events,” Ms Moffitt said.
Mr Constance said the show was built on the long-term efforts of a local family.
Mr Fitzpatrick thanked the committee and volunteers “particularly Tony Hart and Rob Bain” for their hard work.
In the oyster competition Jack Salt of Pambula Lake came first, Kingfisher of Wapengo second and Gill’s Oysters of Pambula Lake third.
