With agricultural shows across the country – including in my old south-west Queensland stomping ground – dropping like proverbial flies due to lack of community interest and engagement, the fact Katherine has an annual event that continues to get residents excited each July should be applauded.

More than 1000 volunteer hours have gone into planning the milestone show this year, and watching the chaotic ballet that is the Katherine and District Show Society crew in full flight should be a pay-per-view event.

One of the other things that has allowed the Katherine Show to thrive and evolve since 1965 is the community spirit that goes into supporting the show, even before the gates open.

For the past few months, Katherinites have been furiously growing, painting, baking, brewing and crafting innumerable entries for the show, while others have been putting in some serious training with their four-legged friends ahead of this year’s dog jumping competition.

Why do they do it?

Because for them, participating in the show, even if they fail to impress the judges, is part of who they are as Katherinites.

It is a community-minded attitude that needs to be cherished, because it speaks to more than just why about 15,000 people are expected to pass through the showground gates by Saturday night.

Here’s to the next 50 successful years of the show and the continued strength of our community.