The Mungindi Show is back with a packed three-day program set to draw crowds from near and far , and promises to be better than ever.
With its heart in the community, the show, which takes place on 8th -10th August is a celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit.
Show Society secretary Ally Orchin says they’re pleased to see the three-day format return.
“It used to be a three-day show about 40 years ago, but it died out,” she said. “We’ve brought it back and it’s just getting bigger.”
The action kicks off on Friday with a camp draft, commercial cattle competitions, and junior novelties in the arena. A highlight of the evening will be the crowd-pleasing man verse beast, Horse vs Bike Barrel Race Challenge, an exciting showdown sure to delight spectators.
Saturday ramps things up again with more camp draft action, woodchopping demonstrations, and traditional horse ring and sporting events. But the showstopper this year? Camel racing.
“We’re doing camel races for the first time, four heats and a final,” Ms Orchin said.
“We thought we’d struggle to find jockeys, but everyone’s been sticking their hands up!”
The camels will be brought in from Newcastle, and their inclusion is part of a broader effort to bring something fresh and exciting to the Mungindi program.
Saturday night features one of the most iconic events on the show circuit: the Header v Picker Demolition Derby. It’s an original concept that earned the society an innovation award from AgShows NSW, and pits harvesting machinery against cotton pickers.
“We set up a massive derby arena, it was huge last year,” Ms Orchin said.
“We had two headers and two pickers, but this year we’re hoping for up to eight. It’s local farmers who bring their own machines – big gear, big noise. It’s a real crowd-puller.”
While it may be an agricultural show at its heart, Mungindi Show caters to all interests.
Sunday is free entry and features the much-loved grain shovelling competition, a dog and pet show, a kids’ poetry competition, and even camp oven cooking with locally donated meat.
The traditional side of the show hasn’t been forgotten either.
“We’ve got all the usual including arts and crafts in the pavilion, wool displays, the showies, and lots of market stalls,” Ally said.
This year, the show has made the leap to online ticketing via Try Booking, and event entries are being managed through ShowDay, a move Ms Orchin hopes will streamline operations.
“It’s our first year doing online tickets which is a bit of a transition, but it’ll help with waivers and info,” she said.
Fireworks on Saturday night are also set to be a major feature.
“People literally said last year, ‘This is better than the Ekka!’.”
With an estimated crowd of around 1500 last year, Ms Orchin says the show’s success is thanks to the hands-on committee and the community backing them.
“We run so much of our own entertainment – the camp draft, the header-picker derby, the barrel race, it’s all local. We’re proud of that.”
For those planning to attend, head to the Mungindi Show Society Facebook page for all ticketing links, event updates, and the full schedule.
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