A WEEKEND of perfect, blue-sky weather crowned the conclusion to the blockbuster 47th annual Katherine Show on Saturday, with thousands of people keeping the show ground packed.
Show Secretary Suzanne Sinclair said the five days of cattle showing, equestrian events, dog trials and magnificent displays of arts, crafts, cooking and home-grown produce provided endless attractions.
“It went terrifically,” she said.
“We got a lot of feedback from people saying they loved it.
“I met lots of people travelling from far and wide who had planned a stop at the show, and I had quite a few people say they had never seen a rodeo before.”
Ms Sinclair said the crowds this year did not disappoint.
“We had two very big nights on Friday and Saturday, with the rodeo and fireworks, and we think overall, with everything on Friday, crowds were up by about 20 per cent.”
Ms Sinclair said the creative sections of the show really shone this year, with strong photography and painting entries and a very impressive cake taking out the decorated section.
“Feedback from the judge of the art section was that the winning work was of a standard to be hung in an art gallery.
“And Bronwyn Hagger won the cake section based on her design especially for the Australian Year of the Farmer.”
Ms Sinclair said the adult poetry section was a popular new development, won by cattlewoman Linda Bowman, who entered specifically for Year of the Farmer.
The live comedy provided by the Crack Up Sisters kept spectators crowding around the main arena, while events like show-jumping, Polocrosse, V8 action and combat displays from a group of visiting US Marines ensured there was never a dull moment.
“We had feedback from a lot of people that they had a great time, and loved going around seeing all that was happening,” Ms Sinclair said.
Katherine and District Show Society President Donna Simms said the focus for shows to come would be growing the base of people involved in putting it together, and engaging young people to enter.
Looking ahead, Ms Simms said the next couple of shows would be critical in the lead-up to the 50th year.
“The 50th anniversary will be in 2015, and for all involved in the show, it’s something to start thinking of.
“I’ve been speaking to a lot of local identities, who are passing down their advice and knowledge.
“We’re asking older people, what they want to have for the half-century, and one fantastic idea so far from cattlemen is to have a memory lane established.