The carnival row at a previous Eurobodalla show. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
After more than 150 years, the crowds are set to gather once again for one of the region’s most-loved shows.
For show treasurer Lindsay Boynton, organising the Eurobodalla Agricultural Show takes a year’s worth of effort that starts mere days after they’ve finished packing away the last one.
“The week after [a show] we talk about what happened at this year’s show, where we can make improvements and what we can change,” Mr Boynton said.
The recent wild (and wet) weather isn’t discouraging show organisers from putting the final touches on the showground.
“It’s just softened it all up, but if you dig into the dirt, it’s still very hard underneath … It will be good for the horses,” Mr Boynton said.
It’s all part of the lead-up to the packed show schedule, which will run for three days from this Friday (23 January), with the theme ‘Putting the Moo back in Moruya’.
“[The theme inspires] things like the cake decorations and the colouring competition, which are based around our theme,” Mr Boynton said.
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In 2026, the schedule will boast new and returning events.
The show will feature a strong animal contingent – ranging from cattle and horse shows, a visit from alpacas and even its first ‘Dachshund Dash’.
Parents can also keep youngsters entertained at the dedicated kids zone, which is returning for its third year on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s a $5 charge for kids to go in there – they can get their face painted, go on jumping castles, Fairy La La [a kids entertainer] is in there doing displays,” Mr Boynton said.
“There’s games in there to play and things like that.”
Other elements on the schedule include a wife-carrying competition, a rodeo, live music, the grand parade and oyster judging.
A sausage-making competition will also determine who has the best recipe (and even feed anyone lucky enough to try the entries after the judging is done).
The return of the Stockman’s Challenge has also been confirmed.
Mr Boynton said it was last featured at the show several years ago, but discussions among the committee revealed the desire for its return.
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For Mr Boynton, Euroboalla show’s appeal is simple: it’s always been an event for everyone in the Eurobodalla region, across its more than 150-year-long history.
“If you go further west or down south, there are more farms involved in the activities,” Mr Boynton said.
“It’s where the farmers get together … They come to town once a year – virtually – to go to the show.”
But he said the show attracted more than the Eurobodalla’s farmers, with community support driving crowds each year.
“It’s all about the community … Even when you talk to grandparents now, [they say] it was a highlight of the year to go to the annual show.”
This year’s Eurobodalla Agricultural Show will be held from 23 to 25 January at the Moruya Showgrounds, located on Albert Street in Moruya.
Entry to the horse events and film nights on Friday is free, while weekend tickets cost between $6 and $12 (with a family pass costing $35). Tickets will only be sold at the gate.
