To the community of the Manning Valley and surrounds,

I, Laura Polson, was sashed as the winner of the 50th Taree Showgirl at the Taree Show on October 11.

It was an honour and a shock, and I'm lucky to be still relishing in the warm congratulations from strangers, friends and family.

However, some of these congratulatory messages from friends, although sincere, were also slightly confused.

"What's a Taree Showgirl?" a good friend had messaged his mother.

His mother oblivious to his underlying confusion asked him "You know! It's for the Taree Show",

"But Mum, what's the Taree Show?"

My friend, now living away at university, had been part of the local community for nearly the entirety of his 22 years of life.

Although slightly shocked at his blunder, it made me wonder just how many of the younger generation don't know what the title of Taree Showgirl or what exactly the Taree Show is.

As outlined in my acceptance speech on Saturday, a country town's show is a showcase of what the the region has to offer.

It's the farmers, whether full time or hobbyists, interacting with the community and showing the quality animals they produce.

It's the horse riders, who strive to perfect their skills and then demonstrate them in the ring.

It's the dog lovers, who primp their furry friends to perfection.

It's local's talent of art, craft and cookery to marvel at on display.

It's produce you wish wasn't behind the netting, as it deserves to be at home on your plate.

It's fireworks, it's fun, it's all these things and more.

Behind the scenes is the hardworking team of the Manning River Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

As the Taree Showgirl I had the pleasure of seeing some of the behind the scenes work of the show.

The team of volunteers, some who have been devoted to the show for decades, work tirelessly year in, year out.

They juggle work commitments and family and health matters to put on the show.

However, the reoccurring theme I noticed as I walked around show, placing sashes on animals and having chats to entrants and volunteers, was the common reminiscence for shows gone by.

Whether it be more entrants in sections, to the numbers of the crowd watching the grand parade, a fondness had stuck for the show's past.

With 137 years of Taree Shows to be compared to, it's no easy task to remain relevant to the community's needs and wants for attending an event.

I believe this historic event needs to be preserved for generations to come, and to do this, organisers will need support and assistance to remain relevant to the community in the future.

As Taree Showgirl I am an ambassador of the Taree Show, and I came away from last weekend's show truly proud of what I get to represent.

However I would like this pride in the show to be extended to others in the community, whether agriculturally based or not.

I would like members of the community to feel encouraged to enter the show in any capacity, so they feel as though they hold ownership of this historic event too.

I have a lot ideas for the 2016 show, but I also have a lot to learn from the Manning River Agricultural and Horticultural Society.

The main skill I think I can bring to the table is the ability to listen, and to help convey other's ideas to the society.

So in order to make the show represent the community of the Manning Valley and surrounds I would like to hear from members of the community with their ideas and feedback on what they would like to see as part of the future of Taree Show.

I can't guarantee anything other than I will do my very best to represent your ideas.

You can write your letter of reply to Laura Polson at 65 Manning Street, Taree NSW 2430 or like 'Taree Show' on Facebook and message the page with your feedback.

I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Yours sincerely,

Laura Polson

laura.polson@fairfaxmedia.com.au