Great crowds and great weather for the 104th Northampton Show

Visitors from Northampton and across the region were treated to a great day at the biggest Northampton Show ever. The 104th Northampton Show was a record-breaking success, according to the show’s organisers. Although a final number has not been calculated yet, the show’s president Fred Porter said about 5000 visitors, including 3500 paying adults, came to the show. Show bags, inflatable rides, a petting zoo and a live performance from Humphrey the Bear were big hits with families. The show remained true to its agricultural roots, with sheep, poultry, wool, grain, vegetables and fruit all judged, as well as agricultural machinery on display and farming challenges competed in. “For judging, its pretty big,” junior judge Alison Nitschky said. “I really enjoy it, I enjoy competing and there’s a lot of fields to compete in.” Show jumping took place throughout the day, with a great turnout of competitors according to judge Penny Dodd. “It’s been a great showing this year compared to the last few, better numbers with a few more coming from Perth,” she said. Competitors let their hair down for Triple M’s Mullet competition, bringing out some of the most impressive hairdos in the region. Kobe Dewar, 4, was proclaimed junior mullet champion, followed by Jett Smith who took the main trophy. His win was a surprise, according to Mr Smith, and an honour to see his mullet appreciated. “It’s my personality, I’m Australian, had it since school, since I was a kid,” he said of his long mullet. “It feels great mate, my work mates said I would win but I didn’t believe it.” The new Fringe World tent gave passers by an opportunity to step on stage, with comedy and singing throughout the day. Local singer Malcolm Walalgie gained a big audience with some songs while Geraldton comedians Jackson Canny and Rhett Farmer entertained for many hours. “Its huge for Northampton, a really big thing for the community, it’s been great to see people coming together for comedy, for farming, for a good time,” Mr Farmer said. While the show was a success Mr Porter acknowledged there were areas for improvement, as with large crowds came long lines to enter and buy meals at the various food trucks. “It’s a good type of problem to have, better than no one showing up, but next year we plan on doubling our food trucks. . . and we’re really going to work on our online ticketing and have three access points to the grounds,” he said. While planning is in early stages, organisers said they hoped the money made this year could go on to make next year’s show even bigger and better.