The 139th annual Temora Agricultural Show had great success last Saturday as good crowds showed up to take part in the event despite the high temperatures on the day. The pavilions were full of many items from artwork to fleeces and even eggs. Equestrian events, livestock and local talent were on display showcasing what Temora has to offer. State Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, opened the show and said it was a privilege and an honour to be asked to open the show in her hometown that has been a big part of her life since birth. “The strong turnout and local spirit shown throughout the day demonstrated the importance of ag shows across regional areas,” Ms Cooke said. “It was fantastic to see people of all ages enjoying the attractions, supporting local exhibitors and catching up with friends and neighbours. “This event has played an important role in so many people's lives of this community over 139 years. “This is a long tradition and events like this are that one time of the year when we can come together and celebrate our history. "Seeing everyone coming together and having such a great time is really great.” Secretary Sharon Beattie has been involved in the Temora Show since 2013 and is one of the committee members who have thanked the rest of the team for the success of this year’s show. “This is the first time this committee has come together to run the Show, they have been a great team,” Ms Beattie said. There were some new ideas from the new committee and Ms Beattie said she was very pleased with how the community welcomed some of the ideas the committee came up with. “We had Kids Zone for free this year; that part was fantastic. It was great to have an area for the little kids to enjoy,” she said. “The free laser tag for the teens was also widely welcomed, and the Tractor Pull was excellent entertainment.” There was a surprise for committee member Karen Pellow as she was honoured for her 50 years of service to the Show, she was completely unaware that she was to be honoured according to Ms Beattie. Ms Pellow began her connection to the show when she was a child alongside her mother entering sewing and handicrafts. She learnt cake decorating and eventually became a judge. Show Society president, Scott Heyman, said there's something rather wonderful about the journey Ms Pellow has been on. “A young girl who once walked into the pavilion beside her mother, carrying her own entries, is now one of the people responsible for ensuring that another generation of children, families, cooks, gardeners, artists and craftspeople have the opportunity to do the very same,” Mr Heyman said. “This is how tradition survives. “Not simply because we remember them, but because somebody takes responsibility for passing them on. “More than 50 years of involvement represents an extraordinary amount of time and service to the Temora Show and our community and much of that work happens quietly, behind the scenes and without any recognition.” This year’s Young Woman Competition had three entrants Jorja Winfield, Ella Smith and Makaela Carless. The winner was Jorja Winfield who was presented her sash by last year’s Young Woman, Ameila Murphy. Ms Cooke congratulated Jorja and said that she will no doubt do her very best to represent everything that the Temora community stands for as she proceeds on to zone. The committee has welcomed feedback from attendees and feels positive about next year’s event, where they hope to draw an even bigger crowd and deliver fantastic entertainment for all ages.
