Agricultural
20 March, 2025
Hooves and Harvest
Oakey district’s talented citizens were celebrated at the 117th Oakey Show on Saturday.
The weather turned up for the occasion, with sunny and moderately warm conditions at the Oakey Showgrounds.
Well over 1000 patrons attended across the day.
Highlights for families were the rock climbing wall and Sideshow Alley.
Children also enjoyed the chance to jump in a fire truck from the Jondaryan Rural Fire Brigade.
In the cattle parade, there were many entries from youngsters, chiefly hailing from Downlands College, Quinalow State School and Oakey State High School while the horse ring was also busy early.
Music was provided by Maleny’s Shanleigh Rose, who entertained from the late afternoon onwards.
Official proceedings had begun at 10am, following a morning tea for invited guests at 9.30am in the Greenwood Hall.
During the Opening Ceremony, MC Geoffrey Byers of Ray White Rural Oakey asked for a minute’s silence for the Show Society members who had died in the past year, including stalwart Tim Marsh.
A large crowd of invited guests was in attendance, with life members, sponsors and many politicians.
Political candidates for Groom Garth Hamilton and Suzie Holt were there, along with Condamine state MP Pat Weir, who presented the crop competition awards and several councillors including Toowoomba Region Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff, on crutches, due to a recent leg fracture.
Former Show Secretary David Totenhofer, a long time ground announcer at the Show, told several engaging stories, including how he had been handed the microphone, when the previous announcer Denis Janetzki had been hospitalised.
The 2025 Oakey Showgirl Alyssia Rodighiero concluded proceedings by officially opening the Show.
Oakey Show Society President Judy Byers reported that everything went according to plan.
“There seemed to be a positive vibe throughout the day,” said.
“I believe the number in attendance could be 1500 plus.”
Mrs Byers said that Stud Beef competitor numbers were above average, and the number of students in Young Judges and Paraders and Led Steer Competition was excellent.
“Horse Ring Competitors was on the average – we have had more and we have had less,” she said.
“In the dog show, we had excellent entries. In Junior Art, we had in excess of 300 entries this is outstanding and a credit to the stewards.”
Members of the community are encouraged to make the show even more special by joining the Show Society and bringing their ideas for next year’s Show.
