The Bourke P&A Show returns to the Renshaw Showgrounds this Saturday May 9, with organisers promising one of the biggest and busiest shows in recent years.
From fireworks and motorbike stunt shows through to pavilion exhibits, wool judging, dog high jump events and live sheep demonstrations, there will be something happening right across the grounds throughout the day.
Speaking with Bev Callow from 2WEB’s Western Herald during preparations at the showgrounds, committee members and exhibitors said community support for this year’s show has been outstanding.
Lilly Hand said the entertainment line-up is packed.
“We’ve got a heap of cool events happening,” she said.
“We’re bringing back the Dog High Jump, we have fireworks, motorbike jumps, the Farmers Challenge Dash for Cash, Animal Nursery, Reptile Man, a Fashion Parade and heaps more.”
One of the major highlights this year is free gate entry thanks to Maranguka, with visitors encouraged to complete a community information form on arrival.
The MadstyleMoto Motorbike Stunt Show is expected to be a major crowd favourite, featuring high-flying jumps and fire cannons during performances.
Vice President Ben Ritchie said recent rain had helped freshen up the grounds just in time for the event.
“The shire boys have done a great job mowing, tidying up and filling potholes,” he said.
“It’s looking really good down here and it’s going to be great weather for the show.”
Show President Shane Russell said entries across many sections have surged this year.
“There’s nearly over 800 entries just in the photography section alone, which is massive — up more than 300 on last year,” he said.
“The pavilion will definitely be something to look at.”
The wool section has also seen a major boost in support.
Philip Ridge, wool steward for the Bourke Show, said exhibitors had been incredibly generous despite strong wool prices.
“Normally when the wool market’s as buoyant as it is now, you don’t get donations of fleeces because they’re more valuable,” he said.
“But everyone’s been very generous. We’ve got some new first-time exhibitors and I think we’ve doubled the number of fleeces we had last year.”
Around 70 fleeces are expected to be judged this year, with representatives from Shute Bell assisting with judging duties in the wool section.
Organisers said the strong number of entries and community involvement across the wool competition has been one of the standout features leading into this year’s show.
Inside the pavilion, organisers have also reported strong entry numbers across craft, photography and junior sections.
Chief Pavilion Steward Jodie said entries had poured in throughout the morning.
“We’ve had lots of entries coming in, especially in the junior work and the craft,” she said.
“We had nearly 800 photo entries, so judging is now underway and it’s going really well.”
Marie Stephenson, who entered several yarn craft pieces, said the standard of work on display this year is impressive.
“It’s looking very good,” she said.
“I’m very pleased with the supply we’ve got and the standards.”
Among her entries is a detailed crocheted rug which took approximately four months to complete using cotton from Bendigo Woollen Mills.
Bourke and District Children’s Services staff were also busy helping sort and prepare entries in the junior artwork section, which received a strong response from local children ahead of judging.
Organisers said it was encouraging to see so many young people getting involved, with a wide range of creative artworks submitted across the junior categories.
Along with the packed pavilion displays, visitors can also check out the sheep and wool section, live shearing and crutching demonstrations, ring events, sideshow alley, whipcracking, reptile displays, food stalls, RFDS activities, the Young Woman and Miss & Master Bourke competitions, and the always popular Dog High Jump.
The popular Dog High Jump is also returning thanks to sponsorship from Shute Bell, alongside support from Wider Goats at Walgett. Five goats donated through the partnership will also be auctioned during the day, with proceeds supporting the Bourke Show Society.
Gates open from 6am on Saturday, with most events beginning from 9am.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to check the official program online or via the Bourke Show Facebook page for full event schedules and timings.
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