As the motorbike took off with a roar, the rider skilfully guided the bike up onto the roof of the car. As he balanced precariously for a few seconds, the crowd fell silent. Calmly, he rode across the roof, onto the bonnet and gently landed back onto the ground. The enthusiastic crowd came to life, cheering and clapping for more.

Welcome to the Mount Pleasant Show, held on March 15, 2008. With the temperature pushing the high 30’s, ice-creams, slushies and cold drinks were in hot demand and these stalls did a booming trade. The large crowd were well catered for by a number of local community groups, who provided a variety of mouth-watering hamburgers, steak sandwiches and sausage sizzles etc. Local produce was also on sale, including strawberries and ice-creams, honey, German Metwurst and wine.

Now in its 145th year, the show had literally something for everyone. From the Motorbike moto trials display, to the famous Tractor Pull. From Show Jumping to Cooking, Art and Knitting displays. From the live band to Farm Animal Exhibits, then the gravity defying Mechanical Bull. The Boot Camp demonstration was inspiring and the Emergency Services display showed just how professional these volunteers are.

The show catered for families well, with virtually non-stop entertainment in the main arena and plenty of seating.
A wander through the main shed showed various Art, Craft and Cookery competitions. Mouth-watering jams sat alongside sauces, pickles and chutneys and the children’s cookery section showed off a variety of cup cakes, honey crackles, and chocolates. Next to these were spectacular photographs, detailed artworks and inspiring ‘lego’ displays.

At the southern end of the showground, burley blokes skilfully flung their axes in the Wood Chopping competition, while nearby the popular Sheep Shearing competition was held. The Ute Muster attracted a strong interest, in the almost 40 entries.

And any visit to the Mount Pleasant Show would be incomplete without wandering through the side-shows and losing a bit of money on some fairy floss and a few rides for the face painted children. Organisers were pleased with the way the event ran. Nick Seager, President of the Mount Pleasant Show Committee said, “It was a great value family fun day. And despite the heat, we were really pleased with the way it ran this year. There was something for everyone and our show has a real ‘country’ focus. Even though this year’s show is only just over, we’re already planning next year’s show!”

So put Saturday, March 21st, 2009 in your diary and check out mtpleasant.countryshows.com.au for more information.