Horsepower thrills crowds at 120th Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show

The 120th Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show’s new horsepower-themed entertainment thrilled crowds at Nambour Showgrounds from June 12 to 14. Highlights included Hot Wheels stunt trucks, Aussie FMX motocross, the Liberty Horse Show with wild brumbies and a massive Australian flag circling the arena.

The covered mega petting zoo, pavilions, livestock sheds and the arena grandstand proved popular with the crowds, especially when the intermittent rain hit the showgrounds.

Weather appeared to deter many potential showgoers but Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show president, Rowan O’Hara was pleased with the numbers.  “Due to the rain visitor numbers were down by around 30%, with 26,146 patrons attending. Encouragingly the competition entries were up by almost 10%,” Mr O’Hara said.  “Fortunately we have an all-weather, all-purpose, flexible show ground, and there are plenty of places to stay dry. Nothing was cancelled and we still delivered a fantastic offering of non-stop performances, competitions, entertainment, trades, exhibitors, rides, and education.

“The overwhelming feedback we have had is that people absolutely loved the Show,” he said. 

“We have had people approach our team, online and via exit surveys, congratulating us. The feedback and support from our sponsors has blown us away, to be honest and we are now preparing for an even better show in 2027. It was just an incredible vibe,” Mr O’Hara said.

Mr O’Hara paid tribute to the army of volunteers who made the show possible. 

“This year, our team of volunteers went above and beyond to make this Show happen,” he said. “They were setting up in the mud and under less than ideal conditions. The same goes for the contractors, and the entertainers who didn’t stop, even when the rain came down.

“We also welcomed some new show sponsors like Nambour Cricks Foton, Nutworks and Comlink. With Comlinks’ support we were able to double the capacity of the free show shuttle buses connecting us with a number of park and ride options around town.

“As the President, I can honestly say I am absolutely in awe of our volunteers.”