I was listening to the local radio last week. One of the presenters was talking about local shows, and how they were struggling and in many cases dying. I have to say I was astounded to hear such a comment! I've been involved in the agricultural show movement for almost 25 years, and I don't think I've ever seen a more vibrant, exciting or livelier time for agricultural shows!
I think there was a time not so long ago where local shows were struggling. And no doubt there are some individual shows who are facing an uncertain future, but to make a sweeping generalisation about the show movement? Well I think it shows a general lack of knowledge or understanding of what is going on in the show movement. So this I reckon its a good chance to highlight a few things that make the show scene so exciting!
Firstly, the local show is a community activity. The show is exactly that. A showcase of all that makes a local community a vibrant exciting and happy place to live. Every show is a little bit different.
The competition events might be broadly similar with competitions to judge livestock, poultry, cooking, arts and crafts. But have a closer look at each show. The competitions are often based uniquely around local themes.
Classes for baking or for cakes might reflect local traditions, or ingredients. Photography classes almost always have several sections for local themes like landscapes and people. These local classes are designed to encourage people to get out and see their local surrounds, to take pride in their environment and to capture and share what they see.
Almost every part of the community gets involved and has a presence at the show. The show provides the opportunity to connect with supporters, clients and recruit new members for many of the organisations that support a town throughout the year.
So strong vibrant communities are integral to a show. And equally true, a strong vibrant show is essential to rural communities as a showcase, and as a vehicle supporting the community.
The vibrancy and excitement I see in the show movement is not just through the embrace and support of local communities. I see it in the way that so many shows have evolved and sought to encourage new traditions, attractions and activities to highlight within the community. For many people the shows attractions would be side shows and rides as much as competing and displays.
Now a local show is just as likely to be showcasing gourmet food, hosting cooking competitions or undertaking wine tasting with some of the national identities in food and fine dining.
I've enjoyed watching and even being a participant in food cooking competitions at a local show. Its been amazing to see a crowd of a few hundred people gathered in a tent to watch local identities and food critics from the state capital competing to prepare local ingredients in a variety of ways.
At the end those spectators then moved to support and watch other events and attractions.
Where else but your local show could you attract a huge crowd, entertain them, inform them and capture their support and pride in their community?
The other myth I heard was that local shows are old fashioned and don't welcome young people. I continue to remain astonished that anyone could think this is a fact!
The youth movement and support for local shows is overwhelming. Its the most exciting thing to see and be part of. In shows across the country, young people are involved in almost every aspect of the show. Young people serve as Office holders in roles from the President and Secretary through to committee roles and Chief Stewards of competitions. They organise events from the traditional ring events to the new events like the young farmer challenges.
The strength of the youth in ag movement is so strong that for the past few years, Australia as a member of the Agricultural Societies of the Commonwealth has sent delegates to share their experiences of the show movement to other countries. So far young Australians have been helping at shows in Papua New Guinea, India and South Africa.
I reckon its both exciting and extraordinary to see the opportunities the show movement brings to local communities and to individuals passionate to build and grow a career in agriculture.
To say that shows have committees that are unwilling to embrace change is quite simply wrong. To suggest the show movement is dying, is quite simply wrong. To say shows offer nothing worth while is quite simply wrong.
I reckon that before anyone makes these statements and adds to the myth of the show, they need to step out and visit a local show. Look beyond the surface and find out what makes each show tick. Its commitment and place to building and maintaining community. The passion and commitment of the volunteers that organise the event. Look for the young people dashing around helping in events and making the day tick along, or stop and watch the dedication of these young people preparing their entries to exhibit or to continue in their journey to develop their skills in agriculture.
I reckon when you do that you will see the show movement is a strong, vibrant and exciting movement! I really hope next time I listen to a rural or regional reporter on the radio I hear these stories, and not the overworn, outdated and incorrect comments that shows are dying. That myth is surely one that needs to be busted!