Entertainment
5 July, 2023
Excitement building for Atherton Show
Excitement is building for the 2023 Atherton Show which will kick off next Monday after the Malanda Show finishes on Sunday.
Excitement is building for the 2023 Atherton Show which will kick off next Monday after the Malanda Show finishes on Sunday.
As it has been delivering since 1904, the Atherton Show’s program is packed with a variety of fun activities throughout the two days, with a spectacular fireworks show scheduled for Monday evening from 8.30pm.
The grounds of the Atherton Showground and pavilion will be filled with a host of interesting displays, and a variety of trade sites and exhibitors showcasing the region’s local diversity and talent, and with constant action in the main arena, the whole family is guaranteed to be entertained.
Organisers say entries are rolling in, and there will be an abundance of goats, poultry, horses, and cattle on show and competing for accolades. As with previous years, the show jumping and the woodchops will keep things lively and if the children want more thrills, the Airtime FMX displays, sideshow alley and showbag lane are sure to deliver.
The Lego special interest competition is an added attraction for kids as is the animal nursery, with many entries in that category as well as the photography competition based on a theme of “Tapestry of the Tablelands: Waterfalls and Wonders”.
The judging of stud beef cattle, junior beef paraders and goats will also peak the interest of many showgoers, as will the pig and duck racing.
The Tomana Working Dog demonstrations will also be popular, given the talent of the animals involved.
Another feature that the Atherton Show is well known for and continues to grow and develop is the Inclusion Program and Sensory Session which is hosted on Monday 10 July from 9am to noon.
The show teams up with Tablelands Regional Council to provide a calmer and quieter experience for showgoers.
The council assists to create a Sensory Night Garden that has reduced noise and no fl ashing lights to give showgoers a reprieve.
“The glowing garden will have soft lighting and music, and features to explore and experience, including glow-in-the-dark face paint,” Inclusion Advisory Committee Chair Cr Peter Hodge said.
“Our Sensory Night Garden will be in shed nine, near the Louise Street entrance to the showgrounds. There’s a drop-off zone and disability parking nearby, and we’ll be giving away showbags and a chance to win an emergency kit.”
Atherton Show’s Inclusion Program includes a range of other programs and initiatives:
From 9am-12noon on Monday 10 July, there will be a Sensory Session with reduced noise and no flashing lights across the showgrounds;
Disability Matters is sponsoring the All Abilities Arts and Crafts Competition, and their band, “Sound Play”, will be performing in the Merriland Hall courtyard on Monday; and
There’s free entry for accompanying Companion/Carers Pension cardholders, and age and disability pensioners can get into the show for $5 (9am-12noon Monday).
Organisers also support bringing the show to Carinya Home for the Aged and have done for many years now.
This involves treating the residents to some of the highlights of attending a local show including some aspects of the entertainment, along with show food, Poly Waffl es and Dagwood Dogs, which are donated by the exhibitors.
One or two-day passes for the Atherton Show are available now, online through the show’s website, or from the show offi ce or one of the ticket agents, Giddy’s Place, Summers News and Far North Chiropractic. Bonus Dollars are also available until 5pm on Sunday 9 July.
