by Kendrea Rhodes

Shows have been part of South Australian life since the early settlers arrived. The first recorded show was held in Adelaide in 1840, which started a trend that quickly spread throughout the State. The whole idea was, and still is, to showcase the districts’ best and bring people together.

The 121st Uraidla and Summertown Annual show book is out now for the upcoming show on Saturday February 21st. The book lists all sections and classes that are open to anyone, not just experienced show competitors, in fact, new faces are encouraged. Do you have a particular skill, somewhat unrecognized and unnoticed by those around you? Can you build an amazing scarecrow?

Does your family take your cakes, jellies, jams and pickles for granted? Are you wearing some homecrafted clothing, or do you sleep under patchwork made by talented hands? Do you have a special pet, or a special Ute (and certain mustering skills)? Are you an artist, a photographer, a gardener, or perhaps your home layers produce eggs worthy of note?

And I’m sure there are people out there who could enter the whip cracking competition! There are prizes, awards, points and accolades for all age groups and show crafts, and there’s still time to enter.
The show Society is proud to announce that the “Horses in Action” will be back in the main arena this year, after a year of absence due to the Equine Flu in 2008. They will share the spotlight (although, not at the same time) with Motorcycle Trials rider, Adrian Harry. The family favourite, Yard Dog Trials are spectacular and can be watched in the shade of a lovely grand pine tree. And of course we mustn’t forget the cooking demonstrations by Jean Evans, taken from the amazing new, award winning book from Liz Harful, “The Blue Ribbon Cookbook”.

Destined to become a household name, this fabulously presented book contains tips and recipes from champion South Australian show cooks along with history, stories and memorabilia of over 150 years of shows in this state. The books will be available to purchase at the show and you can meet the author, Liz and have your book signed.

For more information, go to the website www.uraidlashow.com. Hopefully we’ll see you at the Uraidla Showgrounds on Swamp Rd, Saturday the 21st of February, it promises to be a great day out.

Photos courtesy of the Uraidla Show Society.