The wait is nearly over. Hawkesbury Show kicks-off on Friday.
And while such comments have become a bit of a cliche, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.
One resident who’s looking forward to the gates opening is Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association president Ross Matheson.
“2018 is shaping up to be a show with all the traditions of the past and razz-a-ma-tazz of the future,” he said.
“Poultry is booming, with about a 70 per cent increase in entries. With the energy of our new committee and support from sponsors, the 2018 show will be our biggest for many years.
“Across the show, our livestock entries are looking good and this year we have a new section of Hoof and Hook – Lambs.
“LEGO, now being staged for the second year, has attracted an increase of 84 per cent ... an amazing result.
“And the painted sheep ... following on from our initial success with the painted cow (when we had 40 entries) … we now have a flock of 92 sheep from local and surrounding schools. The quality and imagination of the students is fantastic.”
The Hawkesbury Show is one of the largest regionals in the state and boasts a real ‘city meets country’ vibe.
There’ll be something for everyone, including fireworks displays, carnival rides, performances from local schools and troupes, showbags and food galore.
There’ll be an entire menagerie of animals over the weekend - across show competitions, performances, displays and demonstrations.
There will also be pavillions galore showcasing the region’s best produce, as well as arts and crafts for viewing and purchase.
“Craft entries are also up, with notable increases in woodworking, porcelain art and junior decorated cakes,” said Mr Matheson.
Other exciting attractions include woodchopping, racing pigs, wife carrying competition and flyball dog demonstrations, not to mention the Isuzu D-Max Team, Showtime FMX Team and unchained BMX performances.
The Show will take place over three days - Friday, April 20 (9am to 11pm), Saturday, April 21 (9am to 11pm) and Sunday, April 22 (9am to 5pm) - at the Showgrounds at Racecourse Road in Clarendon.
There will be free vehicle parking on the grounds along with dedicated disabled parking. ATMs will be available on the site for the duration of the show.
Tickets are available at the gate; $25 for adults, $15 for children (5-17 years; under 5 years free), $15 for pensioner and senior card holders (card must be presented), and $15 for companion card holders (card must be presented; carers free). There are also family bundles: $40 for one adult and two children, or $65 for two adults and two children (additional children after the second child are $5).
