Agricultural
21 March, 2024
Celebrating our best
A nice temperature and clear skies resulted in the biggest crowds since Covid at the 116th Oakey Show as exhibitors, entertainers, schools, sponsors, community caravan volunteers, and people just looking for a good day out descended on the town.
The Oakey Show was well and truly back this year after a series of years marked by Covid, lockdowns and bad weather.
Hundreds of people flowed into the newly-gated Showgrounds, with many staying into the afternoon and into the evening.
Oakey Show Society President Judy Byers said attendance was up on previous years and feedback was that the entertainment provided something for all ages.
The Show was officially opened at 10am by Past Oakey Show Society President and Darling Downs sub- chamber President Denis Janetzki.
Entertainers the Voll sisters, iDance Studios and the Outback Riders entertained families and passers-by who were walking in between Greenwood Hall, the Marsh Pavilion and the various marquees up and down the corridor.
Dignitaries who made the trip out to the Show including Mayor Geoff McDonald on the day of the Toowoomba Regional Council election, state member Pat Weir and federal member Garth Hamilton.
The Stud Beef judging comprised various schools including Wilsonton State High School, Warwick State High School, Oakey State High School and Quinalow State School.
The Horse Ring was also hotly contested with many competitors from across the Darling Downs and Southern Queensland.
After an official morning tea at Greenwood Hall, and the opening by Mr Janetzki, the presentation of field crop, shop window and foyer prizes was made.
Celebrity Chef Jason Roberts was a major attraction at the Oakey Beef Exports stall with his cooking demonstrations and free samples attracting many passers-by including the Oakey Showgirl entrants.
The abattoir wasn’t the only local company to have a presence on the day with many businesses and community groups getting in on the act including New Acland Coal, Oakey Urban Landcare Group, the Oakey Men’s Shed, Toowoomba Regional Council, the Jondaryan Rural Fire Brigade, the Army Aviation Museum and McCormack Industries along with food trucks from Oakey, Toowoomba and Redcliffe.
Viv’s Farm Animals was a popular zone for families to congregate with the chance for a quick cuddle with some furry, fenced-in friends.
At midday, the iDance Studios performers headed to the main marquee and wowed the crowd with some tightly choreographed routines.
Later on, the Outback Riders equestrian drill team showed its choreographed skills on horseback.
The Voll sisters (originally from Oakey) returned for another year and enjoyed their time, with youngest sister Isabelle jumping in a bumper car with Show President Judy Byers.
The President herself paid tribute to the many helpers and committed volunteers who had contributed to the Show’s preparation.
“Rural agricultural shows only happen with involvement from the community and the generous support of our sponsors, volunteers and the patrons,” she told the audience at the show opening,” she said.
The volunteers included a group of Aussie Events RV volunteers, some of whom travelled all the way from the Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast.
Show entries were up in several categories, most notably in the Floriculture, Home Cookery, Farm Produce and Fruit and Veggie sections.
The Show Committee said planning will commence
in the next few months for the 117th Oakey Show, set to be held on 15th of March 2025.
Did you make it to the Oakey Show on the Weekend? What did you think? Send us a line to our email address editorial@oakeychampion.com.au
