This was from a woman who over the years has received many awards for her work in agricultural shows, particularly the Royal Easter Show.

A life member of the Cobargo AP&H Society and former Bega Valley Shire councillor, Ms Schaefer described her very first visit to the Cobargo Show - and for that matter, to Cobargo.

She was seven and her mother had brought her in from Yowrie when she was confronted with the crowd at the show.

The young Beryl was terrified of all these people and remembers staying close to her mother who wore a green dress and green hat.

On that day the scared little girl never let her mother out of her sight.

Ms Schaefer said the showground had had many great improvements in her lifetime.

In the official party for Saturday’s official opening were Member for Eden-Monaro Peter Hendy, Member for Bega Andrew Constance and new life members Greg and Linda Holland.

Society president Kevin Allen in his speech thanked his committee, especially secretary Ros Mead, who had taken on the job for the first time.

He also thanked the volunteers who helped clean up before the show and acted as stewards and on the gate during the show.

Mr Allen said he was particularly pleased at the involvement of young people in the show’s work.