Community
21 November, 2024
Noorat Show proves a blockbuster
THE 2024 Noorat Show is looking poised to have been the biggest year yet.
Numbers continue to be crunched but there is early optimism Saturday’s Noorat Show could be the biggest yet – breaking last year’s record – with around 10,000 people descending on Noorat Recreation Reserve to enjoy the beloved show.
Noorat Show president Rob Onley said the committee was thrilled with how the day unfolded.
“We’re looking at the numbers but we’re thinking the 2024 show was slightly bigger than last year, which was certainly one of our biggest in recent times,” he said.
“We’re not sure if you go back to the 50s if you’ll find a bigger show - they got pretty big back then - but this is certainly one of our biggest in recent times.”
Mr Onley said feedback had been positive across the board.
“All the exhibitors were happy, and from all reports everything ran smoothly and most people got through their competitions and exhibitions on time,” he said.
“The guys who had trade stalls were all happy, some of the dealers sold a bit of machinery and the food stall holders had a good day with a lot more food options than we had last year.
“The Showman’s Guild were all extremely happy – one even said it’s the best show they go to all year, turning up for one day and getting as much business as they do is comparable to some of the bigger shows in the country.
“And then general feedback, from individuals attending the show, was all pretty positive as a good family day.
“The weather was quite hot and windy so people came in early, which created a bit of pressure getting everyone in the gate, but we covered that as best we could – we even had parking at almost full capacity.”
Mr Onley said a few changes had been made this year to heighten visitor experience, which had stemmed from feeling a little caught off guard to the sweeping success of the show in 2023.
“I think everyone, such as the Showman’s Guild, were a bit more prepared this year because coming off the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s show surprised a lot of people with how many were getting out and about,” he said.
“This year we were ready - the showmen brought more rides, such as the dodgem cars, and we adjusted a few things in the woodchop area to make traffic flow up the top end a little better.
“It’s always good because we’ve got major sponsors down that end, such as Brandt, so it’s good to look after those who look after us.
“It worked out quite well.”
Mr Onley said all credit for the success of the show went to the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to ensure the day went without a hitch.
“I’m only a cog in a pretty big wheel, and everyone works together to make it happen,” he said.
“It’s humbling, and makes you quite proud of the community and the show itself to see the way people get behind it – whether they are on the committee or not.
“The clean up only took four hours; everyone jumped in from everywhere and got the job done.
“Humbling is one word, but it’s uplifting to see everyone help out. They’re proud of their event, and it’s their event as much as the committee’s – everyone involved is important, and it’s what makes it such a special event.”
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