Stawell Show

Roz, Daryl and the kids invited us to spend the day with them taking in the Stawell Show. The Show was an interesting mix of activities and very similar to the Brandon Summer Fair or the Grande Prairie County Fair.

There was a variety of competitions for the locals to enter. You could try your hand at: Round Hay Bale Rolling Competition where cash prizes were awarded to the pair who was able to roll the bale around an obstacle course in the quickest time; Local Sheaf Tossing Competition where one could show off their muscles and precision in trying to toss a sheaf over a very high pole vault; Rock drilling competition- no experience necessary just $40 for the entry fee; Beaut Ute and Street Machine Competition, if you had a fantastic ute, or a classic car or muscle car you could put it on display and try and win a trophy. There was a huge Photographic Competition with 31 different classes to cater for all types of photographers from the experienced photographer to someone just beginning to use a camera in primary school.

There were a number entertainers and performers, a wide variety of indoor trade stands promoting their wares as well as a wide range of art, craft, photography, hobbies, cooking, flowers, knitting, crochet, and home brew displays.

The best part for the kids was the rides. Like all fairs, there was a number of rides for the kids and kids at heart. One difference we did notice was stands selling 'Show bags'. This Australian tradition originated as a way for companies to put together samples of their products and showcase them. Today they are much more commercialized so we opted not to purchase one. After talking to a number of friends, show bags used to be of great value and one of the highlight of a show.