The secretary-manager of the annual event, Aileen Storey, said the show started out with an agricultural focus in mind, but had to adapt over the years. 

“There was lots of agricultural elements,” she said.

“You had the sheep, the cattle, the lambs and all the farming equipment back in the day.

“It still carries all that, but there’s a lot more to it.” 

A lot of work has gone into making sure the show stays relevant and continues to attract the crowds, Ms Storey said. 

“There is some great entertainment with headline act Roof Top Express,” she said. 

“Led by David Manchon, it’s a new show combining showmanship, stunts horses and cattle with the swagger of an Aussie larrikin. 

The beauty of the show is that it unites the different parts of Wagga, especially for the younger crowds, Ms Storey said. 

“We are in the process of cutting out a barn and a cow to make it more interactive for the kids,” she said.

“Just to tell kids ‘your milk comes from a cow’ so the city kids get to know and feel and touch.” 

The show continues on, but Ms Storey said Wagga should make sure to come out and support it to keep the showground running. 

“It’s privately owned,” she said.

“We need to have the show and everything else we have all year-round to keep it going.

“We have been going for 154 years, how many other businesses have been going for that long.” 

Preparations for the 154th Wagga Show are ramping up with the show schedule released on Monday. 

The line-up includes cake decorating, poultry, farm produce, photography and the farmer’s challenge. 

Ms Storey also said it doesn’t matter what any of the doubters say, the Chiko Roll was born in Wagga.

“It was first was done here at the Wagga Show, just because he was from Bendigo, doesn’t mean it’s theirs,” she said.

The Wagga Show will be held on September 7 and 8 at the Wagga Showgrounds. 

Tickets and discount ride vouchers are available from the Wagga Show Society. 

Opening times for the event are 10am to 9pm both days and the sideshow alley opens at 1pm on the Friday.  

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