The Nyngan Showgrounds are being transformed ahead of one of the district’s biggest annual events, with agricultural displays, family entertainment and plenty of horsepower set to draw visitors from across New South Wales and beyond.
The Three Rivers Machinery Nyngan Ag Expo returns this Saturday, August 1, bringing together exhibitors, producers, machinery suppliers, livestock studs, community organisations and visitors for a full day celebrating agriculture and rural life.
Nyngan Ag Expo president Ben Fanning said preparations were progressing well, with the showgrounds looking green and lush following around 100 millimetres of rain in recent weeks.
“I think it’s safe to say that it has never looked better,” Mr Fanning said.
“The council does a really terrific job. Nothing is too much for them, and the grounds are absolutely magnificent.”
Now in its 34th year, the event will feature everything from major agricultural machinery and emerging farming technology to food, wine, fashions, arts and crafts, livestock displays and children’s activities.
Mr Fanning said the Expo continued to attract exhibitors and visitors from well beyond the Bogan Shire, with businesses travelling from locations including Orange and Victoria.
Organisers have also received inquiries from prospective visitors in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as communities across western New South Wales including Broken Hill, Brewarrina and Walgett.
“It’s a big day for the town, and I think everyone gets a fair bit out of it,” Mr Fanning said.
One of the loudest attractions will be the return of the vintage and modified tractor pull, with members of the Down Under Modified Tractor Pull Association already arriving in Nyngan to prepare the track.
Mr Fanning said the power and sound of the modified machines had to be experienced in person.
“The noise and the thunder is something you can’t quite imagine until you’ve seen it,” he said.
The popular Show and Shine will also return, displaying an array of carefully restored and maintained cars and motorcycles.
Organisers have reported strong interest in the competition, with the Show and Shine among the attractions generating the most inquiries in the lead-up to the event.
Competition will also be fierce during the Outback Sports Shear, while eight cattle studs are expected to attend this year. Mr Fanning said the cattle section had grown considerably after featuring only two studs three years ago.
The Australian National Sheep Dog Trials will provide another major attraction, giving spectators the chance to watch some of the country’s leading working dogs and handlers in action.
The trials run across four days and have a longstanding connection with the Expo. The idea for the agricultural event reportedly emerged from a campfire discussion held during one of the early sheepdog trials.
Families will be well catered for, with children under 16 admitted free and the activities provided for children also free.
Food vendors will offer options ranging from traditional burgers and chips through to finer foods, while visitors will also find fashions, homewares, handmade goods and arts and crafts.
The Expo grounds will include sites of all sizes, from small stalls through to major outdoor displays occupied by machinery and stockyard companies.
Schools, emergency services, community organisations and political representatives will also be present, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about local services and speak directly with exhibitors.
The Three Rivers Machinery Nyngan Ag Expo will be held at the Nyngan Showgrounds in Hoskins Street on Saturday, August 1, from 9am until 5pm.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for pensioners, with children under 16 admitted free.
Further information is available through the Nyngan Ag Expo website and Facebook page. Profits raised through the Expo are donated back into the local community.
Listen to the full interview with Nyngan Ag Expo chairperson Ben Fanning, speaking with Rod Corfe on Outback Mornings, below:
