It's a glorious day here in Longford and all the farmers and other exhibitors will be getting busy dismantling their stalls at the local show which was held over the weekend. Marilyn and I haven't been to a show for years. Back in the 60s, we always made a day out at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and, when we came back to Tasmania we often found ourselves involved in one way or another with the local event. Giant Steps would often have a van selling ice cream or I would take a group of our students to wander around looking at the sights.
I often wonder, though, at the relevance of traditional shows in the modern world. Is there still a place for showing off your prize bull or chickens. When I'm faced with a question like that I usually turn to the internet to see what I should be thinking and when I googled 'What is the relevance today of Australian country shows?' I was firmly put in my place. Of course, I was told, they are still relevant, 'Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities. They not only celebrate the 'best of the best' but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.'
I shouldn't be surprised that the above quote came for the website of the National Party who might be a touch biased but I'm prepared to admit I'm not a typical resident of a country town.
Apparently there are still about 580 Agricultural Shows each year in Australia so they must be doing something right and I was surprised to find that the first ever show in Australia was held in Hobart in 1822. Still, Marilyn and I probably won't be planning to visit next year's show in Longford.
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