Posted inFeature, Local festivals and shows, Wee Waa

Pipes, ponies, and pub races at the Wee Waa Show

The Wee Waa Show is back this August with quirky attractions that guarantee a fun couple of days out.

President of the Wee Waa Show Society, Gary Hibbens, said there are some unique events, one of which pays homage to local industry.

“We’re pretty sure we’re the only place in Australia that hosts a siphon irrigation pipe starting competition,” Mr Hibbens said.

“So, we’re calling it the Australian Championships.”

For the uninitiated, siphon pipes are a vital tool for watering cotton crops, but turning them on efficiently takes skill. This uniquely regional contest harks back to the early 1990s and was revived in 2023 after a nearly 30-year hiatus.

“It was really well received, and we had it all ready again last year,” Gary said.

“But Mother Nature had other plans, and the weather meant we had to scale right back. So, this year, we’re keen to bring it back properly.”

The show, set to run on Friday, 15 August and Saturday, 16 August, promises a full line-up of community fun, including the legendary mouse races at the bar.

“It’s a fundraiser for the Pony Club,” Mr Hibbens said.

“They catch wild mice, set up a racetrack, and punters can ‘buy’ a mouse through a Calcutta. Last year, someone walked away with a couple of grand!”

Add to that the Young Woman Competition, a full pavilion of local produce and crafts, classic horse events, a dog high jump, yabby races, live music, and entertainment for kids, including roving performers, and you’ve got a weekend packed with fun.

And then there’s the rumoured lawn mower race.

“We haven’t signed off on it just yet,” Mr Hibbens said.

“We hope it will go ahead, as it should be a lot of fun. Some of these mowers are clocking 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.”

Whether you’re there for the pipes, ponies, or pub races, there’s no doubt you’ll leave with a story or two.

The 89th Annual Wee Waa Show will be held at the Wee Waa Showgrounds.

There is still time to enter many of the pavilion competitions.

Full details can be found at the Wee Waa Show Society Facebook page.


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