Queanbeyan Show making return with family friendly fun (and attractions for the adults)

Agricultural shows are popular events across Australia, and one is returning to capital country this weekend.

Queanbeyan Show Society president Eddie Zarb said there would be plenty for children and adults alike.

“Money is tight, but you can walk onto our site and be there for half a day or a day and do plenty of stuff and have some fun – and it won’t cost you that much,” he said.

“You just want to see the smiles – if the kids are smiling and happy, it’s a pretty good indication the parents are going to be happy too.”

Across this weekend there will be plenty of attractions – including the return of some favourites.

“In the pavilion, there will be everything from biscuits to cakes, painting to veggies,” he said.

There will also be a yard dog competition, the Jetpack Joyride, woodchopping displays, a strongman competition, a sideshow alley, food vendors, a duck race, face painting and horse events.

“Everybody loves the farm animals – especially the kids,” Mr Zarb said.

“It’s pretty cool watching kids pet a chicken or a piglet or a duckling for the first time.”

Following its launch in 2022, a sensory area for neurodiverse showgoers will also be returning.

“That’s for any kids or parents that need some time out, or if the show is a bit too much for them,” he said.

“They can go there and chill.”

Mr Zarb and his team of volunteers have been preparing for the show for months.

“There’s a lot of time and a lot of effort that goes into organising it, from a small group of volunteers,” he said.

“We would turn up to a meeting once a month, but lately we’ve been having nearly a meeting a week.

“But it’s all worth it when you see the kids enjoying themselves.”

He said their efforts were matched by the community, from Queanbeyan and the surrounding area.

“We’ve got some great sponsors, and the community is really supportive,” he said.

“The public show their appreciation by walking through the gate – we’ve had bumper shows.”

Mr Zarb said agricultural shows played a key role in connecting Queanbeyan residents with agricultural industries.

“We are an agricultural show, so we want to see people get back in touch with their agricultural side,” he said.

“When you come along, you can see a type of animal for the first time or watch some woodchopping, and it’s always a nice thing to see the smiles.”

Mr Zarb said people living in areas surrounding Queanbeyan were welcome to attend, whether they lived on the land or in the cities and towns.

“Like the whole world was, we were a little unsure of how life would be after COVID and what would happen to the show.

“The community blew us away – people were busting to get out, so we’re hoping for another big year this weekend.”

The Queanbeyan Show will be held at the Queanbeyan Showgrounds on 11 November (from 9 am to 10 pm) and 12 November (from 9 am to 2 pm).

Tickets will be available at the gate.