Woodchopping returns to the Gresford Show for the first time in 35 years this Friday and Saturday.
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Following the time-honoured format of a traditional country show, the two days of action will feature a cavalcade of animal events in the three showground rings, mixed with a host of pavillion displays and all the fun of sideshow alley.
“It’s great to see the woodchops back and it will be part of the Saturday afternoon action following the grand opening parade,” show president Tim Capp said.
There will be three rings in action each day, with Friday devoted to campdrafting, stockhorse, drafting, and local class riding.
“We’ve managed to get about 250 cattle for the campdraft which is really appreciated because it’s been very dry up here and a lot of farmers have been offloading or are feeding their cattle.”
Compeition starts 7.30am and runs all day Friday with the finals set down for about 3pm on the Saturday.
“We cater for all ages and genders and it really is a great test of horse and rider and makes quite a spectacle,” Mr Capp said.
“There’ll hopefully be a lot of competitors coming back from the nationals at Tamworth so the level will be high in the riding events,” Mr Capp said.
The pavilions will be set up with a huge range of local displays being judged, including the hotly contested cakes, breads, and baking competitions, flowers, jams, jellies, sewing, needlework and vegetables.
“Bragging rights are up for grabs for the next 12 months so competition will be fierce,” Mr Capp said.
The animal zoo of is always a popular attraction with the kids, and vintage machinery displays will give a trip down memory lane.
For those feeling a little peckish, the CWA ladies will be on hand to provide a range of old-fashioned quality country tucker over the two days.
“In the ring Saturday, you’ll see more horse events, including the open contenders in the riding classes who will be warming up for a crack at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, so the standard should be red hot,” Mr Capp said.
“Don’t miss the off-the-track thoroughbred class, sponsored by Torryburn Horse Stud, which sees former race horses back on centre stage in a new career.
“There will be $500 up for grabs.”
The stud cattle section is judged on the Saturday before the grand parade kicks off at 2.30pm.
“Richard Jones from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service will be on hand to open the show.” Mr Capp said. “Following that, the ring is transformed for the woodchopping, chainsaw, post splitting and speed cutting displays as well as a feature bullock ride and finals of the camp drafting.
“We’ll have a few international class competitors on hand for the bullock riding so that will be action-packed.”
A kiddies disco will keep the kids happy while mum and dad grab a meal and have a chat.
“The bar will be open and you’ll be able to get your hands on the best steaks in the Hunter,” Mr Capp said.
The show culminates with a fireworks display a little after dark on the Saturday.
“It is a very big event over the two days and there’s something for everyone,” Mr Capp said.
“A lot goes into making it happen, so many people doing so many things, and we’re hoping to get a good crowd through the gate.
“Local involvement is the key thing and we’re hoping that people from around the valley will come on down to experience the delights of our traditional agricultural show.”