They may not have been able to run their usual program this year but the Alpha Show Society's community fun day held in its stead brought lots of pleasure to little faces.
A variety of obstacles - the lack of Emerald Agricultural College students, drought and feeding stock - meant the society made a difficult decision in late March to cancel their usual show program.
Instead, the 54th year of the society will be remembered for a day of fun for the young and young at heart with a bouncy rodeo, the Dinkum Dinosaur Show, pig races, an animal petting farm, and free camel rides.
The latter was offered by the Camel Whisperers, Shane and Ashley, who were raising funds for drought relief and mental health in the bush,
The Alpha Show Society was pleased to be able to give a donation to help the cause.
Oliver Dyer won the Draw a Dinosaur competition, while students and staff from the Anakie, Mistake Creek, Jericho, Lochington and Alpha State Schools plus the Longreach School of Distance Education Year 4 minischool class, local distance education students and the Jellybeans Community Centre, travelled to enjoy the animatronic walk-through dinosaur display.
For older patrons there were digital information sessions on topics such as using Facebook for business or a community group, and plenty of support groups on hand with information on assistance programs.
It was topped off with laughs and good times at the 18+ community challenge.