President's Message
Welcome to the 145th Crystal Brook Show, after two wonderful shows post Covid we find ourselves in a time of reinvigorating a tradition that has surpassed nearly a decade and a half.
This year, 2024, marks the 150th year of our governing organisation, the North Western Agricultural Society Inc. In 1874, the first Crystal Brook Show was held, a ploughing match to show the finest horses. The show grew from strength to strength and in 1900 the show moved to its current location to be close to the railway line so that patrons could attend the show via train. The show has run every year since its inception in 1874 aside from 1942,1943 and 1944 where the show was abandoned due to World War 2, and in 2020 and 2021, where unfortunately the Covid Pandemic forced the reluctant cancellation of our show.
We are very excited to have the Crystal Brook Young Citizen of the Year and State Netball Representative, Lucas Gulin, open our show in 2024.
This year the committee has endeavoured to act on feedback received and continue to improve the layout and offering available for attendees. This year the Kemmy trail Red Brick Trail has been introduced as a low cost activity for families to explore the show grounds and what is on offer and receive a bag full of goodies in the process. A massive thankyou must go to Jodie Boully and the entertainment committee for the organisation of this feature and the girl guides for assisting in the sites across the grounds. Other free activities include a massive sand pit, oversized games, Dinkum Dinosaurs and the Petting Zoo. This year will also see the addition of a scarecrow competition and the Young Farmers Challenge.
After last years show our red tractor mascot was named, there were lots of names put forward but, in the end, a unanimous vote awarded the name of “Kemmy” to our tractor mascot and what a fitting name it is. Kemmy Reid spent an immeasurable number of hours “caretaking’ the showgrounds during the late 90’s and early 2000’s and it was a fitting suggestion that our mascot bear his name.
It is with great sorrow that I acknowledge that passing of past president, life member, adviser and exhibitor Ben Mumford and his son Charlie. Ben was President of our show in 2004-2005 and again in 2010 when a president could not be found. His dedication and countless hours that were put into the show over many years were inspirational. Charlie was an exhibitor from a young age. In their memory a new perpetual trophy will be awarded in 2024.
A show of this magnitude can not go on without the tireless efforts of the organising committee and our secretary, Nat Hodgson. I feel honoured to be part of such a strong and willing team that enthusiastically meet to organise this huge community event. I also must take the time to thank all of the show convenors, without you, none of our indoor/ outdoor exhibits are possible. The time and effort you all put into make your sections what they are on show day is amazing and I thank you all.
This day is not possible without all of our kind sponsors, listed throughout the show book. We are truly grateful for your willingness to contribute and support our local show. Thankyou to all the trophy and prize donors, members, exhibitors, judges, stewards and volunteers across the showground. You all play an important role in bringing this wonderful community event to life.