Organisers “pleased” as 134th Bridgetown Show “ran out of tickets” on Saturday

The Bridgetown Agricultural Society’s 134th Agricultural Show was getting so busy on Saturday the organisers “ran out of tickets”. The day included musical performances from Sambanistas, the Bridgetown High School music students, interactive activities, animal shows and farm animal experiences, a sideshow alley filled with rides, including the new Zipper attraction, food stalls and show bags. In the arena, horse and dog agility shows, pony rides, car and truck displays, a virtual experience of the RAC Rescue Helicopter along with a virtual truck driving experience and pony rides filled the grassy area, while both Rowan and the Centenary Halls were filled with competition entries on display, including textile creations, art, cooked goods and produce. Major show sponsor Talison Lithium had a marquee tent with a sandpit and interactive science displays as well, for youngsters wanting an educational and interactive experience. Fitting with this year’s theme of multiculturalism, international cuisine was on offer throughout the showgrounds with different food trucks parked around, which was noted as a highlight. “They were very popular and although some cancelled, people were really happy with the food that was on display,” Bridgetown Agricultural Society president Roger Gutteridge said. Mr Gutteridge also said the Society was pleased with the turnout at the annual show and the feedback given to them. “It went so well and we’re so pleased,” he said. “We got plenty of good feedback and we ran out of tickets at one stage during the day.” He noted the Centenary Hall as another highlight on the day, with a record number of entries consisting of artwork, homecrafts, cooked goods, photographs and produce being submitted up to the deadline for this year’s display hall. “I think people were really appreciative of the work that went into Centenary Hall and the works put in, the art and cooking, and we got a lot of good feedback from people, especially from people whose first time either attending or entering a work,” Mr Gutteridge said. “It was really full and we had about 1700 entries for the Centenary Hall, which is a record for us and a lot of work for the organisers, especially since some of the works came in during the last day.” He also said this year’s success was going to create a challenge for the Society to create a bigger and better show next year. “It sets up a big challenge for next year, because we want to do better than the previous year, so it’ll definitely be a challenge to do bigger and better for next year,” he said. “There were no hiccups at all so that’s really good.” The show ended at night with the show’s famous fireworks spectacular, which Mr Gutteridge called “amazing”, and music played by local DJ Aaron Macknight.