October 23rd, 2025The show must go on with Natalie Poole
Regional agricultural shows in Hepburn and Macedon Ranges shires date back to 1865 when the Glenlyon, Franklin and Daylesford Agricultural Society began having an annual show.
The main aim of the show was to serve as a meeting point for farmers who could share knowledge and showcase their produce and livestock. There was an extra incentive of prize money and the prestige of winning.
According to a blog on country shows by everythingaustralian.com.au, agricultural shows have written the history of Australian farming by providing farmer-to-farmer education and innovation. All the great technological advances have been revealed at these community events, from the first automated shearing machines to the first GPS-controlled tractors. The promotion of rural industries was an ongoing objective.
The earliest event showcased livestock, crops and farming innovations with the Daylesford Mercury of March 11, 1869 showing the classes for the events on show day, held in the Jamieson Hotel Yard.
They were Class C (cattle), Class D (swine), Class F (dairy produce), Class G (grain and farm produce), Class H (grapes and wines), Miscellaneous (honey, jam and pickles), Fruits and Vegetables, Implements and Machinery (swing plough, harrows, roller, grubber or scarifier). There was also a knitting and fancy goods section. These shows provided a social outing for townsfolk to appreciate and be educated on aspects of rural life.
The Argus newspaper, dated March 20, 1865, said there were just 60 entries and “in general the exhibition was inferior to what had been expected”.
“Some fine samples of wheat, barley and oats were sent in and the potatoes were unsurpassed in the colony. The cheese, bacon, butter etc were satisfactory. One or two of the entries attracted attention. The dairy department was not only the best represented but the most creditable to the district.”
Over time, the shows evolved and ‘sample bags’ were introduced. The earliest ‘sample bag’ in rural Victoria was in the 1920s and gave people the opportunity to try a product or two.
Initially free, the sample bags popularity grew and by 1930 a nominal cost was attached to the bags. Eventually, the bag contained more and more items and the highly sought-after contents saw prices rise.
Today, ‘showbags’ range from $5 for the Bertie Beetle (my favourite) to $168 for a beauty bag and you can get football teams, confectionery, cartoon characters, pets, TV and movies and so much more. The world of showbags has never looked back.
The showground rides were an exciting introduction by the Wittingslow family in the 1950s. The opportunity for children to have fun and experience the thrill of the carousel, the merry-go-round and the ferris wheel was only the start of the rides evolution.
Today, crazy cars, teacups, helter skelter and the roller coaster are high on the list for children. And let’s not forget the adults and the adrenaline-pumping rides on offer which could include alien abduction, freestyle, haunted houses and panic rooms.
Today’s agricultural shows are a mix of family entertainment, live performances, flowers and plants, craft demonstrations, petting zoos, sideshow alleys, rides and showbags. They still continue to showcase produce and livestock as a central aspect of the day with many opportunities to win ribbons, sashes and ‘bragging rights’ in the equestrian, sheep, poultry and cooking sections.
And with so many shows coming up, it’s time to go and organise your jams, pickles and preserves or maybe knitting, crochet, spinning and weaving if that’s your style.
For the artisans, leatherwork, metalwork, woodwork or ceramics may be more up your alley. If not, watch the show jumping, be in awe of the photographic demonstrations or take a gander at the preschool or school children displays.
Show days are filled with plenty to see and do as a great tradition continues on into the future. The show must go on!
Fun fact: The 1890 Glenlyon Franklin Daylesford Agricultural Show had a Class for the greatest number of sparrow eggs.
Head to the shows at Kyneton on November 14 and 15, Clunes on November 15, Daylesford on November 22 and Kingston on December 6 and 7.
Clunes
The first show of the Clunes & District Agricultural Society took place in 1868. The agricultural show, initially known as the Glendaruel, Beckworth, Clunes, Eglinton and Glengower Agricultural Society, has since become an annual event in the community. Many thanks to the Clunes Museum for the images reproduced with permission.
Kyneton
On October 29, 1856, a public meeting of farmers of the district decided to form the Kyneton Agricultural Association. The association’s first event was a ploughing match, held on the St Agnes Farm on Wednesday, August 5, 1857.
The association met every fortnight and quickly decided to establish a showgrounds to hold its annual ploughing match as well as an Exhibition of Stock and Grains. By 1857 it had successfully lobbied the state government and was given five acres opposite where the old Kyneton Hospital still stands today. The new grounds were quickly fenced, and cattle stalls and pens built to hold the First Annual Exhibition of Stock and Implements on November 10, 1858. This was the very first Kyneton Agricultural Show.
Kingston
The Agricultural Society originated at Smeaton and was formed in April 1859. In 1923 the name of the Society was altered to The Kingston, Smeaton, Newlyn, and Dean Agricultural Society. In 1984 the Society became incorporated, and the name changed to the Kingston Agricultural Society. In 1861 the first show of the Smeaton, Spring Hill, and Bullarook Agricultural Society was held at Smeaton. In 1873 the Grand National Show was held in Smeaton.
