Best of Bungendore to be showcased as agricultural celebration returns after hiatus

For the first time in half a decade, one country town will soon be showing off its best again.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Bungendore shows then excessive rain cancelled the 2022 event.

In 2023, a volunteer shortage meant the show couldn’t go on.

At the time, newer resident Katie Asplin and some friends “thought we should probably put our money where our mouth is,” she told Region.

“We wanted Bungendore to have a show. The only way to make sure that happens is if people volunteer to be on the committee.”

With a committee led by Ms Asplin, who was named president, the group quickly got to work preparing for show day (27 October).

“It’s almost difficult to believe because we’ve been working in this for pretty much 12 months now,” she said.

“It doesn’t seem real that it’s less than two weeks away. It’s exciting.”

This year’s Bungendore Show will feature several competitions for the town’s residents to enter their livestock, produce and other creations.

“The pavilion is always really fabulous,” she said.

“The amount of talent that is around for photography, art, handicrafts, crocheting and other entries is amazing.”

Visitors will also see equestrian and sheep shows, while combatants will be put to the test in a tug-of-war competition.

The young and young-at-heart will also be entertained by a range of demonstrations and performances.

There’ll be a jumping castle, dancers, pet parade, activities led by the local Scouts, an obstacle course and snake display.

“I’m quite excited for the woodchop,” Ms Asplin added.

“I’m not going to lie – I love a good woodchop.”

She said keeping the cost of a day at the show affordable was a key consideration for the committee.

“Once you pay your entry fee, you buy some food, you might pay for a face paint,” she said.

“Other than that, all the activities available for you are free or a very low cost.”

Ms Asplin hopes this year’s show restarts a tradition dating back to the first show in 1879.

“I think for people who have been in Bungendore their whole lives, or [have lived there] for a long time, it’s tradition. You always go to the show,” she said.

“Some people still tell stories about the things they’ve won at the show or things their grandparents won at the show.

“But there are a lot of people in Bungendore who moved here in the last five years, and they’ve never seen the show.”

She said the Bungendore Show was a key part of the town’s history and culture.

“I think it’s really important for these country towns to have their [agricultural] shows because otherwise I think they start to lose their identity as a country town,” she said.

“With Bungendore being so close to Canberra, it would be quite easy for it to just become a commuter town.

“I think the show is a really important way for it to keep its identity as an actual country town.”

The Bungendore Show will be held on 27 October at Bungendore Showground, 71 Mathews Lane in Bungendore.

Tickets cost from $7 to $12 and can be purchased online. Tickets will also be available at the gate at a slightly higher price ($10 to $15).