A Show for everyone at Chudleigh

Photo by Mike Moores

The 2019 Chudleigh Show was a grand day out for all comers.

By Mandy Wyer

MEN SCALING wooden pylons, several metres into the air while gouging at them with axes, is just one of the famed spectacles of the Chudleigh Show. Wood-chopping, together with vintage farm machinery, veteran cars and bikes is a major attraction at the show, which draws hundreds of people each year.

Held on Saturday 15 February, Chudleigh Show is in its 131st year and is believed to be one of the oldest running agricultural shows in Tasmania. Sheep dog trials, equestrian events and beef and dairy heifer competitions will also run throughout the day, with ongoing entertainment from the Deloraine Big Band. The talents of some highly skilled artists, cooks and flower arrangers will also be exhibited, along with some up-cycling pieces made out of otherwise discarded objects.

And for the children, entertainment includes a jumping castle, face painting, pony and train rides. A men’s muffin competition is also expected to cause a few laughs. The contestants will be required to bake four muffins of their own choosing with a strict stipulation that no packet mixes are allowed and all ingredients need to be brought with competitors to the showground, by 11am on the day. Local police officer Will Smith – the current Young Tasmanian of the Year – will officially open the Chudleigh Show and the Hagley Rural Youth members will conduct the dog jump and the Chudleigh Cup events. This year for the first time, the Chudleigh General Store will host a music event in the adjacent store gardens, the evening before the show (see page 12 for details). The encore show by Townsville’s Uke Nomad follows a sell out event at the store on January 4, when 100 people enjoyed soulful music under the night sky.