This week has marked the end of a very long era, with the main pavilion at the Parkes Showground knocked down to make way for a brand new $4 million building.
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The pavilion holds almost 100 years of memories for the people of Parkes, with many a show exhibit, ball, social event and display being held at the grand old building.
Whilst this may be nostalgic for many, it also signifies the beginning of a very exciting time for the town as the Parkes PA & H Association prepares for the new $4 million multi-purpose pavilion, which Sam Farraway MLC announced in early August.
An upgraded pavilion has been on the bucket list for the Parkes PA & H Association for many decades, as it became clear the time was running out on the old building, which was constructed in 1927.
The new pavilion will provide a much better experience for its users, and importantly will be sealed from dust and flooding - things that have plagued the older building for many years.
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The Parkes Show, and the Showground itself, have a long and storied history, and have played a pivotal role in building the culture of the Parkes community.
September 20, 1879: Parkes Agricultural and Horticultural Association formed with 50-60 members
February 19, 1880: First Parkes Show held on vacant land near Cheney Park
February 23, 1881: Second Parkes Show held on land newly acquired from a Grant for Showground, with a pavilion shed erected
1883: Skillion added to pavilion shed
1905: Skillion the entire length of the building added to pavilion on south side
1885: Two Parkes Shows held in February and August
1886: February Show dropped in favour of a spring two day (Wednesday and Thursday) show in August when weather was more favourable, with Wednesday being the half day show holiday
1910: Pavilion extended by 40 feet without floor and a fruit stall built at eastern end
1920: Parkes Show moved to Tuesday-Wednesday
1926: Pavilion destroyed in a severe windstorm late in the year
1927: New pavilion erected by Dean and Cornby for 848/11/0 pounds, the new building being 10 feet wider and 10 feet longer than the previous one
1928: Main pavilion extended
1936: First three day show
1942: Parkes Show cancelled due to wartime conditions as the military used the showground and pavilions as a temporary depot for storage of food supplies
1956: First night show with an estimated 12,000 in attendance
1959: Industrial pavilion erected for 2394 pounds
1966: Grounds levelled and restoration work costing $17,800
1967: Floodlighting installed, and two night shows began
For now though, it is time for the next chapter as the Parkes PA & H Association finalise plans for the new pavilion, which promises to make the Show bigger and better than ever.
Here's to the next 100 years!
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