72nd Chapman Valley Agricultural Show delivers a great day out as thousands enjoy fine weather and festivities

The weather gods were kind on the 72nd Chapman Valley Agricultural Show on Saturday, with the sun emerging just in time after a rain-soaked day. Thousands flocked to the Nanson Showgrounds for the 2022 show, and despite rain threatening to put a dampener on the day after almost 20mm fell on Friday, the crowd was treated to wonderful weather. More than 5000 people attended the show, down from 10,000 in 2021, in what was still a great turnout from the local community. There were no traffic issues like last year, as cars flowed smoothly throughout the day thanks to wider access lanes and an earlier start time of 9am. The showgrounds were abuzz with excitement as amusement rides, bouncy castles, face painting and a petting zoo kept the children entertained. Phil Doncan captivated audiences with his Paint Storm, incorporating gymnastics, music and painting into an electrifying performance. At the shearing stage, the Valley Shears Competition drew a big crowd, with Craig Hodder taking out the open event and best local. Richard Sturis finished first in the speed shears competition ahead of runner-up Jordan Gilmartin. Local Tom Moore was awarded a CVAS life membership, having worked and been involved with the Valley Shears for 32 years. Les Jupp took home the Perpetual Cup for a third year in a row with the highest overall points total at the show. However, it was 12-year-old Rhys Warr who stole the show, claiming 17 first-place finishes and 10 second places to finish third overall, just behind Tracey Cuthbert who received the Tony & Kerry Carr Trophy. Rhys won the McCagh Family trophy for the highest points as a junior exhibitor, entering into several sections from photography, craft and cooking to grain and fodder. Chapman Valley Football Club claimed the Young Farmers Challenge, a new event for the 2022 show, and collected $800 in prize money. CVAS secretary Liz Eliott-Lockhart said the committee was happy with how the day ran, given the weather forecast and football finals. “We figured numbers would be down as there were concerns, however, it was a great day,” she said. “The early opening time worked well as it provided more opportunity for people to attend.”