5 fun Show history facts
- Lets start at the very beginning…
The first Central Australian Show Society was formed in August 1959, with Mr. M. Greatorex as President, Mr. G. K. Whitridge as Secretary and Mr T. Greatorex as Treasurer.
The Society’s first show was opened by Mr. Sam Hordern, at its Anzac Oval location on a wet and windy 26th April, 1960. 48 points of rain had fallen, just preventing the collection of pluvious insurance which required 50 points of rain
Admission charges to the first show were 40 cents for adults and 50 cents for children.
1961 saw the venue moved to Treager Park where it remained, until, because of the need for more space, the venue was moved to Blatherskite Park for the 1982 show.
- A little piece of show history…
The Poultry Pavilion has a pretty cool history of its own! When the Alice Springs Show moved to its new home at Blatherskite Park, the Poultry Club made sure its much-loved home came along for the journey. Rather than leaving it behind, the club physically moved its old tin shed from Traeger Park to the new Showgrounds!
It’s a great little piece of Alice Springs Show history and a reminder of the dedication and community spirit that have helped shape the Show over the years. That humble tin shed made the move alongside the Show, continuing its role as part of the Poultry Pavilion and helping keep the tradition of showcasing poultry alive for generations of Show visitors.
So, next time you wander through the Poultry Pavilion, take a moment to remember its journey from Traeger Park to Blatherskite Park. It’s more than just a place to see some feathered friends - it’s a little piece of our Show’s history, carried forward by the people who make the Alice Springs Show what it is today!
- Cats out of the bag…
The Alice Springs Show used to not only home animal competitions that we all know and love such as cattle, horses and poultry, Cats also had their moment in the spotlight, adding a little extra fluff and feline fun to the Show program.
Cat competitions gave owners the chance to show off their beloved feline friends, with visitors able to admire the different cats and their unique personalities. From their beautiful coats to their individual quirks, these competitions brought something a little different to the Show and gave cat lovers a reason to get involved.
Like so many of the attractions that have come and gone over the years, the cat competitions are a reminder of how the Alice Springs Show has evolved with the community.
- Show girls…
The Alice Springs Show has always been about more than prize-winning animals, showbags and carnival rides - it’s also about the people and traditions that make the Show special!
Over the years, Show Girls have been part of the country show tradition, bringing a touch of glamour, community spirit and plenty of personality to the festivities.
But being a Show Girl isn't just about looking the part! Agricultural shows celebrate rural communities, local talent and the next generation of people passionate about life in the country.
And let's be honest - getting dressed up for the Show is a very different experience from spending the day wandering around Blatherskite Park in the Central Australian sunshine! Between the dust, the weather and a busy day of activities, keeping everything looking picture-perfect could be an achievement in itself.
From the fashions and hairstyles of years gone by to the changing role of young women in agricultural shows, the Show Girls are another little piece of the Alice Springs Show story worth celebrating.
- Cheeky lifelong volunteers…
Our cheeky vice president used to live on the grounds of The Alice Springs show…and boy does he have some stories…but you will just have to ask him :P