The rain started on Friday and entries in the pony club fun day were down slightly. On Saturday, heavy falls saw the cancellation of the grand parade.

Rain was of course the subject of many conversations, after the extended dry the area has experienced. Show president Milton Johnston’s property at Taree Estate received 50mm of rain while there were reports of 100mm at Coopernook and 110mm at Nabiac.

The weather may have impacted crowd numbers on the Saturday, but the agricultural community was very thankful for the rain, Milton said.

But despite the wet, all the entertainment went ahead with good crowds attracted to the racing pigs, the reptile show, the Rooftop Express and other attractions. 

Milton said in the pavilions, the arts and crafts, and agricultural and horticultural displays were again well supported by exhibitors. 

The show’s official opening went ahead under cover and was performed by The Land RAS Showgirl, Nikki Gibbs of Wauchope. Courtney Robertson was sashed as the 2018 Taree Showgirl.

A team of volunteers from the Royal Agricultural Society travelled to Taree to help out at the 140th Taree Show. They were at the show on Saturday and Sunday, acting as stewards, assisting in the tea rooms and even giving exhibitors some tips.

The demolition derby on Sunday afternoon again drew a large crowd. There were two events, the first involving three woman who were all first-timers, and then 18 vehicles in the men’s division.

Another crowd pleaser was the NSW chainsaw racing championships held on both days.

Entries in the horse events were also down, possibly because some riders were competing at the National Equestrian Centre that weekend.

The show society volunteers were back at the showground on Monday tidying up and will meet shortly to discuss this year’s show and start planning for 2019.