Even an invasion by a swarm of aggressive bees on Friday didn’t stop this weekend’s 2019 Cobargo Show from going ahead.
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A lot of young people who put this on do a damn good job, but they need more young people to help out.
- Philip Allen
“The bees just took over. It was a great experience,” Cobargo AP & H Society’s Kevin Allen said with a smile.
“A doctor from Bermagui came in with his smoker and only lost five bees out of what seemed like millions.”
Ninety-four-year-old Peg Norris has been going to local shows for over 80 years, and while her showjumping career might be a thing of the past, she now watches her grandchildren compete just as she did all those years ago.
“The rodeo is a good part of the Cobargo Show. It’s a bit of fun,” she said with a laugh.
“I enjoy watching the fellas sticking on, trying not to fall, and the fellas falling off.”
On Saturday Labor spokesperson for lands Mick Veitch and Country Labor candidate for Bega Leanne Atkinson met with the show society, promising $105,270 from the Crown Land Improvement Fund for seating shelter projects at the ground if the party wins the March state election.
“Better facilities like these shelters will help make the show better for locals and visitors alike,” Ms Atkinson said.
The show society’s Philip Allen said more young people are needed to help with the show’s inner workings.
“A lot of young people who put this on do a damn good job, but they need more young people to help out,” he said.
“Putting this show on is a heap of work done by a few.”
While the show is a celebration, it has been a rough year for many farmers across the state due to drought conditions.
Fourth generation farmer Vin Motbey of Wandella said the key to running a sustainable farm is to prepare for the bad times during good seasons.
“A lot of fellas overstock. If it turns bad then there’s nothing for them to eat,” he said.
Delegate’s Sandra Walker visited the show for the first time on Sunday, and was “amazed” by what she saw.
“It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever been to,” she said.
“I’m amazed by all the activities. There’s something for everybody.”
While Cobargo has maintained a traditional rural show feel, iconic showbags are still popular with children.
Wagga Wagga’s Alec Gee has been traveling the country for 30 years selling the bags, and said the concept has been tested overseas but never caught on.
“Australia is the only country in the world that likes showbags,” he said.
“It’s been tried in America and England but never caught on.”
The concept began with sample bags at the Sydney show and evolved from there, with the bags getting more expensive each year.
“When I started I was selling what is now $30 for $2,” Mr Gee said.
“They’re getting dearer which is the only problem.”