The competitors, they came from Mathoura to Melbourne.
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And the judges, well they travelled from Tamworth to Tasmania.
As for the crowd, well the crowd simply came from everywhere, and in droves.
With all roads at the weekend leading to Rochester and its historic Great Northern Show.
And there, a community short on celebrations and magic milestones came together to turn a show, their show, into something very special.
Starting with the organising committee’s bold decision to make it a free community event, sacrificing a significant part of the show’s running costs on the altar of emotional recovery, of helping their families, friends and neighbours have at least one night, or day, off so they could have a good time without having to reach too deeply into their pockets.
Being free meant no counters at the turnstiles, but based on food sales (and sell-outs), takings by vendors and cashflow from the carnies, it is estimated 9000 people attended across the two days.
Show secretary Maxine Weigand said the decision to go free was made so much easier by the astonishing support received from sponsors and advertisers to help the show emerge from its years in the COVID-19 wilderness.
But she said no-one expected crowds such as the ones they got.
“We reckon it’s the best we have done for the past 30 years, it is the talk of the town, everyone is just blown away, and they really did come from everywhere to join us on the Friday and Saturday,” Maxine said.
“In 2020 we just snuck in before COVID-19 really hit, but with nothing in 2021 and just the horse events in 2022 it was fantastic to be back.”
Maxine said when people heard the gates would be thrown open they got even more calls of support.
For example, one local farmer — and he had been flooded too — rang and asked if he could lend a hand.
“Of course we said yes,” Maxine said.
“What we didn’t expect was his transfer of $2000 to the show account. If that kind of selfless support doesn’t give you a tingle in the back of your neck, nothing will.”
And the good vibes just kept coming.
“We didn’t just have huge numbers in the competitions, there were amazing numbers of people gathering to watch them as they went through the Saturday,” she said.
“It was like something from a time gone by, a lot of people here to share in the wider agricultural industry. But there was also the arts and crafts, the children’s competitions, we even had our aged care residents brought to the showgrounds and while they weren’t able to get around and see everything, we hosted a marvellous afternoon tea for them in the alfresco area outside the office.
“And they all seemed to have a ball, chatting, chatting with people going past and just being a part of such an important community event.”
Aged-care residents displaced from Rochester were even invited to come down and meet some of the show dogs, which they did with smiles spread wide across their faces.
It was the complete country show — there was a sideshow alley (complete with delicious screams of terror from the big ticket rides), showbags and all sorts of catering — from crepes to the classic baked spud.
“It was incredible,” Maxine said.
“The Lions ran out of everything, the ice-cream van thought they had more than enough for both days and ended up scouring surrounding supermarket shelves for enough product to open on day two.
“Our small army of volunteers, backing up the committee, did a marvellous job, and there was just such a willingness from so many people to pitch in and lend a hand.
“Just take some of the livestock judges, for example. Olivia Millhouse, one of the dairy judges, came from Tasmania. Beef cattle judge Roger Evans, who was outstanding with his remarks and advice for all competitors, came down from Tamworth, while others were more local, such as Brian Leslie from Shepparton and Zoe Hayes from Girgarre.”
And they all added to the success of the day.
Now the last big mission to wrap it up is the thank-yous.
Maxine said so many people did so much to help get the show going, spread the message to get the crowds coming and took part to make it all happen.
“And we want to thank them all, none of this would have happened without every one of those people and the whole town owes itself and them a huge thank you.”