Biggest crowds since the 80s as showgoers flock to Nambour

From exciting show-jumping action to working dog demonstrations, live music, a creative arts exhibition, delicious food stalls, monster trucks, V8 races, exciting woodchopping battles, fireworks and a range of sideshow rides, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

by Tanya Outridge

This year’s Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show at Nambour Showgrounds drew a record-breaking modern-era crowd, with more than 38,000 attendees passing through the gates. 

“We are absolutely delighted with the overwhelming success of this year’s Show,” said Show Society President Rowan O’Hara, adding it was the biggest crowd since the heyday of the 1980s, when Show-goers were enticed with the chance to win a house.

“We had been hoping for good sales, as we had done a great deal of marketing and the weather was perfect.

“All the same, we were blown away by the fact that we had visitors to the Show this year from every capital city, including a couple of thousand attendees from Brisbane alone. 

“Our ticketing company remarked that they hadn’t seen that level of pre-sales before.”

Mr O’Hara said the three-day event was a celebration of agricultural heritage, community spirit, and spectacular entertainment.

From exciting show-jumping action to working dog demonstrations, live music, a creative arts exhibition, delicious food stalls, monster trucks, V8 races, exciting woodchopping battles, fireworks and a range of sideshow rides, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

“We are always mindful of the cost of bringing a family to the Show, which is why this year we had plenty of engaging, hands-on free events for people of all ages. 

“There were shuttle buses running to the Showgrounds, local service clubs ran pocket-friendly BBQs and people were welcome to bring a picnic if they wanted to,” said Mr O’Hara.

Mr O’Hara said organisers were fortunate with perfect weather, and the Coast’s growing population contributed to larger crowds. He added that the Show was building a reputation, even in comparison to the Ekka.

When our team sits around the table together, we all share a vision to create a memory-making experience,” he said.

“We have the most incredible team of volunteers, many of whom pour their heart and soul into our Show to make it the experience it is. 

“At the heart of our planning is the shared commitment to engage and educate people about agricultural life, how food and fibre is produced, to entertain visitors of all ages, and to really consolidate the sense of community that is already so strong on the Coast.”

With new General Manager, Mark Paddenburg on board, Mr O’Hara is looking forward to even more growth in the Show.

“Mark brings with him enormous experience in strategic planning, lobbying, growing partnerships and infrastructure planning,” he said. 

“We know he is the right person to help us take the Show to the next level.

“Over the three days, the energy and enthusiasm from our visitors, exhibitors, and entertainers were palpable. It’s a true testament to the dedication of our community in preserving and celebrating our rich agricultural roots while embracing modern entertainment,” said Mr O’Hara.

“I particularly want to thank our sponsors, and our team of tireless volunteers, who were instrumental in making the Show into the fantastic family event it was. None of it is possible without them.”