Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Show(ing) Off.

 
Sunday morning I woke with purpose: To attend the local agricultural show. The fact that I was sick did not deter me. In the three and a half years that we've been living in the Ranges I'd not been, so this year I had psyched myself up for it with memories of the agricultural shows of my childhood. I was going and nothing could stop me.
 
Growing up The Show was a major annual event that we looked forward to every year. In the weeks and days leading up to it we'd be a hive of activity, buzzing about putting the finishing touches on our competition entries. There were painted eggs and flower displays from us kids, whilst the adults entered cookery, crafts and livestock. To win a ribbon made the time and effort worth it, but it was a Best in Show that granted you Legend status.
 
On Show Day we'd browse the sideshows, brave the rides, admire the horses and pet the animals. I remember always being particularly fond of the sheep. Even now as an adult I walk through the showground gates and make a beeline for the animal pavillion. I also get particularly excited when there are baby animals and/or ducks.
 
This year I was eager to recapture that excitement: We ate hot donuts, watched the showjumping and checked out the chickens. I spent a good deal of time weighing up the possible competition for next year in the photography, cookery and craft events, whilst wondering what one must do to become a judge (and get to taste the cakes and scones on show). We browsed the stalls and after much discussion and deliberation decided on some native seedlings for the garden.
 
There were ducks and chickens and pigeons galore! Shane said they were scary whilst I wanted to bring all the Indian Runners home. There were no sheep but there was a wool competition. Hardly the same, but they do both smell like lanolin. 
 
What do you like about Show Day?
 

7 comments:

  1. I love walking through the cattle pavilion in the evening...okay, Im weird but I love the smell of cows...I love the feel and smell of the lanolin too on my hands after patting the sheep...I love the sideshow lights at night and I love the plastic cupie dolls on sticks...I love hot dog nuts (yes, dog nuts) and I like the smell of the agricultural hall with the fruit and the flowers...hopefully we can take all three kids this year....and they will love it too. I do have a fond spot for the SA memorial halls in the towns......

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    1. Most memorial halls are pretty basic in their design, but I must say I was surprised by how small our local hall is. So very, very cozy indeed (and no windows! Why, I wonder?).
      ~S.

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  2. Freshly made cinnamon and sugar doughnuts. Baby animal exhibit. Cake decorating.
    These are a few of my favourite things.

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    1. It's a shame the hot donut kiosks are kept to the showgrounds and are not an everyday thing, imho. I love their melt-in-your-mouth sugary goodness.
      ~S.

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  3. I know nothing about agricultural shows or your part of the world but this is why it's great to visit your interesting blog where I'm getting a welcome taste of what's important in other peoples days... it all sounds good fun in the healthy outdoors eating hot donuts! yum! I hope you're feeling better now:-)
    Fiona x

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    1. I suppose an agricultural show could be described as a combination of a carnival, festival and country fair. It's a bit of everything that makes them so much fun!
      ~S.

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  4. Wow, sounds like it was a great show. The ones we have here I always head for the flower tent, the smell is wonderful! And freshly cooked doughnuts yumm!

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