The Hawkesbury Show Society and show sponsors took a well-earned break from organising the 2021 show to gather for a night of speeches and thankyous and to recognise one of their own.
Hawkesbury District Agricultural Society (HDAA) President Ross Matheson thanked all sponsors for their support, and members of the HDAA for putting together the show.
"The HDAA has been in existence in this district since the 1880s and has always been a major part of our community," he said.
"The Hawkesbury Show, which traditionally was the event of the year for every citizen to show off their produce - whether it was a pumpkin or a cow, or whether they could plow - was also the gathering point for local people, and some people in isolated areas it was a reason to come to town.
"Since moving to this ground 35 years ago, which at that stage was a barren lot of swamp, and this showground is a credit to the committee, but also to the community. It is easily one of the best agricultural showgrounds in Australia."
Mr Matheson thanked Redbank Communities North Richmond for their support and for providing the venue for the event, which was held in the Redbank Tent at the Showground on Wednesday night (April 21).
Redbank Development Manager, Jock Douglas, said he was "really thrilled" that the show was back on this year.
"The Hawkesbury Show for our business and our community is one of the big highlight events of the year. A lot of our residents come out here and participate in the show," he said.
"We really love being involved because it showcases everything that's great about the Hawkesbury."
Mr Matheson presented a plaque to Domenico Iorfino and family, in recognition of Mr Iorfino's contribution over 40 years as an exhibitor at the show and the sponsorship he and his family have provided for the show and other HDAA events over the years.
- The Hawkesbury Show 2021 takes place at the Hawkesbury Showground this weekend, Friday, April 23 until Sunday, April 25. Book your tickets and find out more online at hawkesburyshowground.com.au/events-and-shows/2021-hawkesbury-show