Entertainment
3 July, 2024
Show energy hits Atherton
ATHERTON will be booming with vibrant festive energy once again for the 120th anniversary of the Atherton Show.
Organised by the Atherton Tableland Agricultural Society, the show promises two days of family fun, agricultural exhibits, and “wow-factor” entertainment, starting next Monday.
This year’s theme is “Crafting Tradition”, with the show this year shining a spotlight on the importance of crafting traditions and celebrating the community.
Major highlights of this year’s event include performances by the Airtime FMX team and meet-and-greets with ABC’s Muster Dogs season two winners.
Show society secretary Vicki Baylis said the Muster Dogs were set to be the stars of the shows, adding an extra “wow” factor for spectators.
“This year, Frank will bring along Lucky, who is a deaf dog, and he has trained Lucky to be able to do everything the other dogs can,” she said.
“And with Lucky coming as well will also be the season two Muster Dog winners Zoe and Buddy – Lucky is actually Buddy’s brother.
“They are a big fun group, and they will be on the Tablelands the week before the show running training schools, as well as visiting Carinya Home for the Aged and doing a mini show for the residents.”
AirTime FMX has wowed audiences at shows across the North for the past year, showing off death-defying tricks and stunts on the backs of their motorbikes.
Ms Baylis said the show was perfect for any rev head looking for a thrill.
“These guys came last year, and we received such great feedback they have come back again,” she said.
“They were just absolutely fantastic, and the motorbike fanatics are going over the amazing things they do.”
Dogs aren’t the only animals set to impress, with stock and poultry from all corners of the region coming together to be judged by professionals in the industry.
The event will feature a variety of competitions, including livestock, horticulture, arts and crafts, and special competitions. Categories include stud beef, poultry, goats, agriculture, floriculture, floral art, and orchids.
“We know we have some lovely artwork, cakes, metal work and a lot more coming in – people have been very creative with their entries this year,” Ms Baylis said.
“We are also selling gnomes, and we are encouraging anyone with a child at home to buy one – it’s a great way to get them building creativity and painting, and people can come and buy their gnomes at the show.”
Entries forms for these competitions can be found at www.athertonshow.com.au/competitions/sections-and-forms/
The sideshow alley will also be back to excite locals, with several rides to choose from and a puppet show by ReLoveolution.
“Louis (the puppeteer) has the most incredible puppets, and if you go onto YouTube, you can see the amazing things he does, like play the cello with his puppet Lady Claire – it’s just beautiful,’ Ms Baylis said.
“This will be completely unique to the Atherton Show, and they will be performing in the main hall along with the stilt walkers – who will also be wandering throughout the grounds.”
The Atherton Show runs over 8-9 July. To view the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit www.athertonshow.com.au
