Animals were the biggest draw card at 2017 Newcastle Regional Show over the three-day event.
There were healthy numbers in the dog and goat competitions and the animal nursery was one of the star attractions alongside Rooftop Express and Isuzu TEAM DMAX.
In the dog competition – All Breeds Championship Dog Show – there was a significant increase with 454 entries. It was held at Hillsborough Dog Showground on Friday, the competition was moved there three year ago, when it outgrew the Newcastle showground. Not since the mid 1990s, had entries been this high and at that time the dog show was held over three day.
Visiting the dog competition was the first official duty of the Event Cinemas 2017 Newcastle Showgirl Elyse Hudson. Ms Hudson, 22, of Charlestown was crowned on Thursday night at Westfield Kotara.
In the dairy and Boer goat sections the numbers and quality were as good as the competition’s best years. Competitors traveled from as far as Mudgee and Lismore, some in preparation for the Sydney Royal.
As for people, Sunday was the best day, on the other two days; numbers were lower than expected due to the wet weather.
Newcastle Show president Brett Gleeson said the show this year was expected to break even, thanks to a range of stakeholders – sponsors, exhibitors, show goers and the government.
“We are so grateful to the people who supported the show from the sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and especially the show goers,” Mr Gleeson said.
“The people that came out in the rain are stalwart in their commitment to this community event as are the exhibitors and site holders.”
“The one-off $40,000 government grant, especially with the lower than expected attendance figures, has helped the show break even, which means there will be a show next year – March 2, 3, 4, 2018.”
Mr Gleeson said one of the grant’s conditions was a management review by the show society and the government.
“This review will included restoring an alternative income stream and when that happens, we will have buffer in place that is needed to future proof the show,” Mr Gleeson said.
“These discussions are to start next week with the arrangements expected to be in place no later than July 1.”
