More than 30,000 people have attended the Newcastle Regional Show across three days, helping the event record its best crowd in about a decade.
Organisers attributed the show’s success to returning the event to its agricultural roots.
The aim was to “bring the country to the city”.
The show’s acting president Graham Poole said the most popular events were the rodeo and military dogs.
“The grandstands were overflowing and people were three-deep around the ring,” Mr Poole said, of the rodeo.
People responded well to exhibitions of bees, poultry, cattle, horses, reptiles and interacting with farm animals.
“The traditional things like patting the pig go well. And we had a chook with little chicks, so the children can see eggs don’t come out of a fridge,” he said.
“There was a terrific honey display. It had hives behind glass, so you could see the bees and try to spot the queen bee.
“A lot of the show is about connecting with nature.”
It’s also about showbags and rides.
“The showbags were as good as ever and the rides were incredibly popular. I wouldn’t dare go on 90 per cent of them. I get frightened standing on a bucket.”
Mr Poole said the cattle on display exceeded expectations.
“We were very nervous about the cattle because of the drought, but we had terrific numbers of cattle in excellent condition.
“I don’t know how the farmers did it. I was expecting the worse.”
The show also had a quirky side.
“Can you believe I am now a qualified judge of rats and mice?” he said.
Check out all the photos from the show in the gallery above.
Did you snap a great photo at the show?
Email your pictures to jessica.brown@fairfaxmedia.com.au and they will be added to the show gallery
