The Yeppoon and District Show Society are organising to take showgoers for a journey through history during the 64th annual Yeppoon Show which will focus on celebrating the 150th anniversary of the towns’ founding.
A mix of historic and new entertainment has been arranged for the 2018 show program which will take place on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10.
Society president Ken Landsberg said since it began, the Yeppoon show has showcased the best of the best, from champion horses to giant pumpkins.
“This year will be no different with competitions taking place across a diverse array of events, including: woodchops, cooking, horticulture, needlework, fruit and vegetables, fine arts, pottery, photography, woodwork, fresh farm produce, and a plethora of horse and cattle competitions,” he said.
He said a raft of entertainment has also been organised which will appeal to the young and young-at-heart.
“A pig racing spectacle will see Gilmore’s porkers scampering around the course in eight races over two days.
“Another new attraction, Little Aussie Encounters will feature Australian native animals and reptiles, and the Karen Johnsons’ Petting Zoo will be a surefire hit with the children.
“A spectacular night program will include a nitro circus style performance take place while a plethora of talented musician and dance acts will perform.
“These events will all build up to the nights climax, a huge fireworks display.”
Mr Landsberg said the focal point of the celebrations will occur during the Grand Parade on the Sunday.
A highlight of the parade will be the 5th Mount Morgan Light Horse Troop staging a reenactment of the charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade in Beersheba, Palestine, which occurred on October 3, 1917, during World War I.
“The troop will charge the full length of the show ring from the Dragons Den to the spectators with 303s and fixed bayonets. They’ll follow this with a tent pegging display.”
The Keppel Community Band will then play while the paraders assemble, and perform the national anthem to announce the parades commencement, which will be led by the Light Horse Regiment 1st CQ.
“The Yeppoon RSL Sub Branch has also been invited to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day in the parade which will include vintage army jeeps.
Another highlight will be the inclusion of a coach and horses reminiscent of the coach service that operated between the Yeppoon’s Pacific Hotel and the nearest railway station at Tanby.
“There will also be vintage and historical cars and trucks, tractors, harness class turnouts, horses and stud cattle to the spectacle.”