Community spirit not dampened by rain
Hay Show Young Woman of the Year Mila Bisset (centre) with the 2020 winner Gemma Tassell (left), who hands over the reins and Sydney Royal Ag Show runner up Imogen Clarke, from Nowra.
Nothing was going to stop all enjoying the 148th Hay Show. A massive success, it was the first show in three years and well patroned by the community in spite of the preceding rainfall.
Mullet competition, salami judging, Parma eating contests were just a few innovative new attractions to feature.
Myla Bisset was crowned 2022 Hay Show Young Woman, being sashed by 2022 Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Imogen Clarke of Nowra.
Myla is a Curtin University teaching student, and also working in hospitality at the Riverina Hotel and The Convent. Myla will attend a personal development weekend in Dubbo, and will represent the Hay community at the Zone 7 Young Woman Final in Albury in February.
Hay Show President Julieanne Jones took the opportunity to thank Gemma Tassell, as the 2021 Hay Showgirl but also congratulate her on being a state finalist at the Sydney Royal Easter Show earlier this year.
Nerida Reid received the Agricultural Show Award, sponsored by the RAS of NSW, from RAS Councillor David Davidson. The award was in recognition of Nerida’s contribution to the Hay Show as an exhibitor for over 60 years and as an active volunteer and committee and executive member of the Show over many years.
Nerida has been previously recognised with Life Membership of the Hay Show Society. On Saturday Nerida farewelled the Hay community as she and husband Neville have now moved to Wagga Wagga.
Whilst other regional shows had to cancel their horse rings Hay was able to continue as the grounds were in good condition.
Friday afternoon was well patronised with the Mullet and Salami judging before the evening finished with Anthony Slattery Fireworks lighting up the sky with their usual splendour, a treat keenly enjoyed by all of Hay.
Saturday action began bright and early with entrants in the Slow Cooker Challenge beginning their preparations.
Pets and dog judging began soon after, before the action in the small dog jump.
In the Pavilion the Hay Show young people judging was held, followed by the Hotdog eating competition which was a new addition to the program.
Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs were the main attraction during Saturday and attracted many spectators at each race. Animals 2U animal nursery was relocated to the Poultry Pavilion and brought along a great array of animals. The poultry did not attract many entries this year and the wool just had two fleeces on display.
Hay Kids can Cook was held just after lunch with the Hay Highland & Scottish National Dancing and the Turnout Dance Company following. Both groups drew big crowds and it is wonderful to have these groups being showcased out in the community. The Garnished Fine Foods 2.5kg Parmi Challenge attracted eight entrants and a crowd with the winner, Josh Edwards, no doubt not needing dinner that night. The NSW Farmers Working Dog Jump had just three competitors this year with the winning dog, Jack, jumping 2.02 metres.
Pavilion entries may have been down in some sections, but the standard remained high. Volunteer team presented the displays well, and with the market stalls running down the centre of the Pavilion it made for an excellent exhibition, and eye catching treats on offer.
CWA ladies enjoyed the benefits of the new kitchen and the featured events held in the stage area drew the crowd past the displays.
Whilst a full list of results will appear next week in the Grazier, the contribution by Shirley Hajek and the Hay Guides and the Jamieson Family is highly valued by the Show committee.
Side Show alley was greatly reduced in size, as the Showmen’s Guild ride operators are challenged with insurance costs, lack of staff and many shows on the same weekend.
Like the rain, side show alley is out of the control of the Show committee but is hoped to see a return of more rides in 2023. Children delighted in the showbag options, as were the many scrumptious food options available over the weekend.
Hay Show President Julieanne Jones was tired, but well pleased with the weekend.
“A small committee meets all year to bring the show to fruition. Since 2019 plans have been in place only to have COVID see the cancellation of both the 2020 and 2021 shows.
“It is fantastic to finally hold a show and then to have strong support from the community which makes it all worthwhile,” Mrs Jones said.
The gates have closed on the 2022 Hay Show, but the committee are already planning and holding meetings, with a view for an even bigger and better 149th Show in 2023.
