Brodie and Jenny Smith, from Canberra, enjoying Yass Show. Photo: Hannah Sparks.
If woodchopping, vintage cars and Devonshire teas can’t tempt you to this Saturday’s Yass Show, between 8 am and 7 pm, perhaps the farmyard animals, magician and horse jumping will.
The country show held just outside of Canberra may have been reduced to a one-day event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however that doesn’t mean the showground will be any quieter.
“We’re very pleased and impressed that we’ve been able to pull off a one-day show,” said Yass Show Society president Anne Hazell. “The grounds are looking very good, the entries are coming in and we’re getting some good feedback from the community.”
Pavilions will be packed with cattle, sheep, homemade beer, jam, cheese, flowers, vegetables, knitting and photography exhibits, with show volunteers eager to see some of the more traditional elements showcased this year.
Outdoors, the antique farm machinery, vintage and classic cars, woodchopping, show dogs, horse jumping, wheelbarrow and shearing competitions, a magician and small animals will also keep visitors of all ages entertained.
Mandy, Ellie and Gemma Dickens, from Murrumbateman, at Yass Show with their dogs, Saffy and Tess. Photo: Hannah Sparks.
Punters are even invited to bring their pets along to the 158th Yass Show on 20 March to take part in the pet competition.
The only event that isn’t going ahead this year is the Professional Bull Riders rodeo, which attracts a crowd too large for elderly volunteers to manage.
“A lot of people are glad we’re putting on the show,” said Ms Hazell. “We just hope the weather holds and people still come out.
“Our online ticket sales are starting to pick up this week so I am cautiously optimistic. At the end of the day, we’re putting on a more traditional agricultural show for the community and we’re not expecting record breaking numbers. As long as the people who do come have a good time, it’s a good community event.”
Woodchopping and sawing will be among the highlights at Yass Show on 20 March. Photo: Hannah Sparks.
Organisers announced in January that Yass Show would only be held on one day to help the volunteers, who are mostly aged in their 70s, manage the additional COVID-19 requirements, including a QR code sign-in system and one-way entry through the pavilion.
Fortunately, the show attracted eight new volunteers this year who are determined to see the event go ahead after it was cancelled in 2020.
“It’s hard enough trying to get back up and going after missing just one year, and with all the extra stuff we need because of COVID-19,” said Ms Hazell. “However, I’m feeling more relaxed than I normally do before a show because we’ve done so much pre-work this year, and having it on one day only has made it easier, even though we’ve crammed everything in and the showground will be absolutely chockers.”
Everyone is encouraged to purchase their show ticket online beforehand to reduce the queue on the day as all patrons will be required to scan the QR code on entry.
However, there will be facilities for people to purchase tickets on the day if they can’t purchase tickets online, said Ms Hazell.
Yass Show tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Click here to purchase.
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