A number of industry experts will give insights into the future of fine wool. Following the forum we will walk through the wool pavilion with the Judge Tom Henry and Chief Steward Paul Pittman presenting the major trophies and thanking the sponsors, stewards and exhibitors who have made our wool section so strong for many years.

The Apsley River Challenge will follow with $500 prize money for the team of three who win the relay of tricky farm skills. 

Following the challenge we have a mechanical bull in front of the bar with age group competitions judged by Carl Green, Walcha’s own and Australia’s number one cowboy. Carl will probably give us an exhibition as well.

There will also be dog jumping and fireworks and without the fence around the bar we would like to encourage families to come along and enjoy the relaxed picnic atmosphere.

So please come to the Show on Friday. Enjoy the pavilions, watch the beautiful horses in the ring, check out what should be a red hot display of lambs, see the great poultry display in the renovated chook shed, lunch in the terrific luncheon booth or the Lion’s barbecue shed or grab a pluto pup or baked spud, it’s all there.

Take mum on the big dipper or dodgems, see the sheep judging, check the heifer show, watch the dog trialling and enjoy the day’s activities with an old fashioned family get together.

There will be more fun on Saturday.

Enjoy the fine horsemanship in the ring, watch the cattle being judged, and there is more dog trialling, and the sheep shearing is always worth a look.

Enjoy the grand parade at 2.00pm with Jodie Martin this years Showgirl and hear Hans Hietbrink of Northern Tablelands Local Land Services open our show.

Then it all heats up with the fashion parade, an exhibition motor bike ride by local A Grade bikey Sam Partridge and the boys from Supermoto New England. There will be plenty of noise and tricks and then we have the Peanut Drop back with Superair flying through at 3pm.

This year we are having another Great Walcha Cookoff with Beauty Verses the Beast.

Two teams of four will compete in front of judges Hans Heitbrink and Janelle Archdale.

Cathy Lisle will put together two baskets of food and contestants have to choose, cook and present an entrée and a main for tasting by the judges. It should be great fun.

The beauty team is Wainie Robertson, Fiona Wiggins, Jodie Martin and Anthea Macpherson while the Beasts are Peter King, Tony Barnet, Ian Kerr and Jock Nivison.

The Demolition Derby is still on with Joe Partridge in charge, the Apsley River Challenge finals are next and all the usual activities continue with a great bull ride Rodeo. 

Come and enjoy this year’s show and meet your friends at the bar to compare rain fall notes. 

Don’t forget to enter your veggies, cakes, photography, flowers or quilts, the more the merrier. Can a man take out the champion cake again; I’ll be trying.