2012 Showgirl winner Ali Preo (right) catches up with this year’s contestants (from left) Michelle Bartlett, Kimberley Constable and Charlotte Oastler.
THE Far South Coast National Show has been declared a huge success by Bega AP&H Society president Norm Pearce.
There was plenty of action on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as thousands of show goers headed to the Bega Showground.
The 2013 Bega Show boasted a mix of new and traditional activities.
The ring event, dairy cattle judging, stud and commercial cattle, pavilion exhibits, animal nursery, poultry, angora and dairy goat judging, and demolition derby were again popular, while the crowd was entertained by a number of first-time events.
The Tarraganda Woodies’ challenge and RAS Young Farmers’ Challenge were introduced into this year’s program.
The Showtime FMX motocross freestyle team amazed everyone with its death-defying stunts.
Some members of the crowd had to look away because they were so frightened!
Meanwhile, harness racing made its long-awaited return to the Bega Show after a 10-year absence.
Mr Pearce said it was terrific to see the trots held in front of a large crowd.
He said it was a “real treat” for the competitors to race in front of hundreds of people.
While unable to give an official gate-takings number, Mr Pearce said there was a good crowd each day at the Show.
“It was a terrific weekend, perfect weather and thousands of people came along,” Mr Pearce said.
“The highlight of the show was all the little things we tried to do to make it a family show – we catered for the whole community, something for all ages.
“The young people got to see what happens in the rural industry.”
The Bega Show was officially opened by ABC radio presenter Simon Marnie on Friday night.
Bega’s Aleira Bower-Scott gave the welcome to country before Jillian Rheinberger led everyone in the national anthem.
Mr Pearce then spoke about how the Bega Show had attracted interest from all across Australia, including Perth, Geelong and Armidale.
Following the recent bushfires and floods in the South East region, Mr Pearce said “it’s time to relax and celebrate with our annual show”.
Mr Marnie kept the crowd entertained with his good humour before officially opening the Far South Coast National Show.
This was followed by the announcement of the Bega Showgirl competition, with Michelle Bartlett, of Bega, being crowned the 2013 winner.
After the presentation, Friday night’s entertainment was highlighted by an excellent fireworks display at 9pm.
Saturday’s activities included the RAS Young Farmers Challenge, heats for the Great Bega Cheese Race, oyster and cheese judging, ring events and harness racing.
Sunday’s program featured the pet competition, fat lamb judging, pavilion exhibits, the final of the Great Bega Cheese Race and a shearing demonstration.
The action wrapped up with the demolition derby on Sunday night.
* Visit www.begadistrictnews.com.au/story/1317573/bega-show-photo-gallery/?cs=511 for a gallery of photos from the Far South Coast National Show.