Perfect weather conditions, better than expected numbers, and entries up in almost all events saw Tullamore host a very successful 90th show.

And today, conditions should again be perfect for the main day of the Trundle Show.

Tullamore PA and H Association President, Bernadette Boneham said the milestone staging went off brilliantly.

“The weather was better than we could have asked for, and in fact, people were looking for shade it got so warm,” Bernadette said.

“The pavilion looked a picture. The photography entries were down slightly but most other categories were up.

“The flowers were brilliant, the sewing was gorgeous, the fleece was full and the fruit and vegetables were plentiful.

“We had to find more space for the children’s craft section, lots of Lego was entered,” she said.

“The Tractor Pull was popular with 10 entries, and the Speed Shearing was a huge hit with shearers coming from as far as Wagga Wagga.

“The catering team kept very busy preparing meals and the barbecue, with nothing going to waste.

The Sheep and Cattle Community Hub was full.

Red Bend Catholic College and Condobolin High School students showed their prize stock.

An old Model T Ford and a stationary engine attracted a lot of attention.

The engine originally came from Tullamore and belonged to Hector Gibson.

The gentleman who owns it now is from Victoria and brought it back for the show.

Horse numbers were up on previous years.

Major disappointment was avoided in the the Show Jumping ring when the organised judge was unable to attend.

Robin and Kevin McMahon came out of retirement to ensure the event went ahead.  

Close to 400 entries for the All Breeds Champion Dog Show ensured  it was a huge success as did the 110 entries for the three days of sheep dog trials.

Former local resident, Ron Martin officially opened the show, and Alan Larkings was presented with Life Membership.

The Champion Cake, made by Peter Lloyd-Jones of Bundaberg raised $60 for breast cancer when auctioned after the show.

Gemma Horsburgh took out the best chocolate cake after taste testers Robert Edwards, Duckie Clemens and Margaret McAneney (all representing their late mothers who were prolific bakers) deemed hers the tastiest.

The climax of the day and a fitting finish to a fabulous show was the smash-up derby.

Dr Rick Newton purchased a car painted by the Pre-school students and auctioned the drivers seat for the event.

The Tullamore Hotel also purchased a car and it was auctioned off for the derby.

Five cars smashed and crashed their way through the event, but there could only be one winner. 

Tallis Stevenson took out the honour of being the driver of the last car standing.

“By the end of the day, volunteers were very tired but had a wonderful sense of achievement,” Bernadette said. 

“It was an outstanding contribution by the volunteers and the committee and we would especially like to thank our sponsors.

“Without their generous donations we wouldn’t be able to put up the prizemoney we do.”

Photos: Renee Powell