She is just one of a number who ensure the biggest annual event on the Katherine calendar ticks over, year on year.

She doesn't do it for the accolades. But without her, and the others, who have collectively spent thousands of hours working behind the scenes, the show would not go on.

The volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge to the classes and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Hundreds of people spend hours perfecting recipes, tending to plants and working on art pieces in the hopes of claiming first prize.

But it is the volunteers who collect the entries, make sure the judges consider each one, and put it all on display for the thousands who walk through the gates.

"I have kept doing it because you don't know if there will be a replacement," Mrs Ducey said.

"I wouldn't want to see something so special to the community collapse."

The long-term Katherine resident has had a passion for needlework from the time her mother was a steward in the Hunter Valley show.

The needlework pavilion at the Katherine Show is where her passion shines each year.

It is a chance to talk to people about what they have created, learn new techniques and get a glimpse into their lives, she said.

"I just love to meet the people behind the entries," she said.

"Volunteering is a bit of a dying art, people are busy these days, but they are missing out on a great opportunity.

"It is a chance to give back to your community as well as doing something you love."

While there are those who carve out time each busy dry season to help out, the show usually runs on a deficit.

Show officer, Patricia Glackin is encouraging volunteers to get involved this year.

"The show wouldn't survive without our volunteers, but unfortunately we don't have enough," she said.

"We have volunteers who have been with us for years and years, and we would be lost without them, as they have so much knowledge about their sections.

"The entries are the fabric of a rural show, and if we don't have people to pull it all together, we would struggle."

This year the Katherine Show is in need of a chief steward for the cattle and horticulture sections.

"We need volunteers to come forward who can help for four hour blocks, manning the horticulture pavilion and other pavilions over both show days, between 8.30am and 6pm," Ms Glackin said.

"We also need volunteers to help with entry drop offs on Saturday, July 13 and entry pick up on Sunday, July 21."

If you wish to volunteer at this year's show please contact the office on 08 8972 1746 or by emailing mail@katherineshow.org.au.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.