The annual Woodstock Show which will be held on Sunday, September 2 is an important part of the cultural life in the small village of Woodstock and surrounds, and has been for decades now.
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The show provides the community with the opportunity to reflect on its values and aspirations; celebrate achievements ranging from excellence in prime lamb breeding to the beauty of a delicate piece of embroidery; and enjoy a break from the routine of everyday life.
History tells us the story of a 22 year old treasurer Paul Dresser challenging his father, Joe Dresser, in 1971 that an $11.53 profit was a ‘bloody’ disaster and for the amount of volunteer labour contributed to coordinate the event, the show would be much more profitable having individual members donate $5 to the beneficiary, the Woodstock Memorial Hall, than actually running the show. Young Paul was ‘slammed’ for his comments by his father Joe – Joe stating that it’s got nothing to do with the money! It’s about getting the community together, it’s a social thing, and it’s about bringing farmers to the village and seeing others, if you don’t have that you have nothing!
To this day the show continues as a place of work and leisure, education and entertainment. The show reflects a longstanding commitment to a set of core values: pride in traditional rural industries, competition, collaboration, progress and the interdependence of town and country. It gives local community groups the Woodstock Swimming Pool, and the Woodstock CWA, the opportunity to raise funds for their benefit on show day and contributes annually to the ongoing overhead costs of the Woodstock Memorial Hall, and in more recent times has facilitated the ongoing restoration of the Walli Memorial Hall.
People of all ages and from all walks of life, whether city or country, enjoy attending this annual event. While the young (and young at heart) look forward to the fairy floss and a dagwood dog, show bags of goodies and the fun of sideshow alley, other people enjoy the agricultural and industrial exhibits, entertainment or main ring features. Many in the community of course are involved as exhibitors, entrants or judges in show competitions.
One thing that’s for sure – there is something for everyone at Woodstock on Sunday September 2. Audiences’ will be captivated by the action of the traditional woodchopping event, speed shearing, chainsaw racing, vintage tractor pulls, ring events, heavy horses, cattle and sheep, wool, and pavilion exhibits. A working blacksmith will also be demonstrating throughout the day. Visitors to the show will be able to witness all of these events in close proximity to the action at no additional cost.
There will be loads of fun activities for the entire family. For Dad there is loads of horsepower, diesel and dust. For Mum, traditional pavilion exhibits and a market laneway, plus coffee! For the children, pony rides in return for a donation. Troppo Bob’s Magic Puppet show will run throughout the day, the Old Kentucky Animal Farm for the up close and personal animal experience. There will also be face painting, horse drawn carriage rides, sideshow alley and loads of free novelty events!
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