THE stage is set for the 151st Wagga Show, which launches on Thursday, and organisers couldn’t be prouder.
Proud of the show’s longevity, proud of the mammoth effort to bring it to fruition and proud of its many supporters.
At 9am, at the Wagga Showgrounds, the rides will light up, the deep fryers will sizzle and the exhibits will lure the pundits – the perfect recipe for a spectacular country show.
The carnys were busy setting up on Wednesday and many of the finishing touches were being put on the rides.
Perched between bags of prizes, lifelong carnie Marshall Pellick said shows were “in the blood” of country communities.
“It’s who we are,” he said.
Mr Pellick would know.
He’s spent the entire year travelling up and down the east coast of Australia, bringing many of the staple rides showgoers expect.
“I’ve missed winter,” he said.
“When everyone is down here freezing, I’m up north in Cairns in the heat.
“It’s some life.”
Wagga Show Society secretary Aileen Storey said the show’s relevance to the community was shown by its age.
“We’ve been here 151 years,” she said.
