Sun comes out for the Maleny Show as crowds enjoy events, competitions, fireworks, food, traditional arts & crafts, & more

From left, volunteer Jodi Fritz with Show Society Secretary Lois White and President, Lynda Burgess. The rocks were painted by Jodi and hidden around the show grounds for children to find and present to the office for a reward.

After a tense week of watching the skies, the Maleny Show went ahead last weekend and according to Show Society President, Lynda Burgess, everyone “had a ball”.

“Last year’s Show was so wet, and after all of the effort that goes into putting the Show on, it was extremely disappointing,” she said.

As a result of the weeks of rain, the Show Stewards made the decision to cancel the equestrian events on Friday, and the official events on Saturday.

“The ground was just too soft, making the course dangerous for the horses and riders,” Mrs Burgess said.

“The safety of the animals, handlers and competitors is paramount and has to be our first priority.”

Thanks to the ongoing wet weather, beef cattle entrants were down, however, dairy cattle held their numbers.

But the Pavillion was flooded with entries, of particular note, in handicrafts, needlework, tapestries, spinning, weaving and woodwork.

“We were very pleased with the number and quality of entries this year,” said Mrs Burgess.

“I think that having the theme ‘make it, grow it, show it’ inspired people to think about what they could enter. It seems to reflect a growing move back to traditional arts and crafts and it is wonderful to see people of all ages enjoying and appreciating these important skills.”

The sun brought pleasing numbers through the gates as locals and visitors alike flocked to enjoy sideshow alley, the fantastic entries and competitors, and the wholesome family atmosphere that is synonymous with the Maleny Show.

“We had terrific food vendors, fireworks and everyone’s favourite, woodchopping,” she said.

“This year we had 28 competitors in the wood chop events, including 6 women, the youngest of whom, Millie Retschlag, took out the QLD Women’s Underhand Championship.”

As always, the Show is not possible without an army of volunteers who work tirelessly before, during and after, to ensure the tradition of agricultural shows is maintained for future generations.

“We truly could not stage the Maleny Show without our incredible volunteers,” said Mrs Burgess.

“They help us to ensure the Show will go on.”