Stroud Show reigns in the country Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Photo Gallery by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 27, 2023 Speed chainsaws (Under 100cc) RUNNING for over a century, the Stroud Show proved lively as ever over the weekend of 21-23 April. Visitors enjoyed a full catalogue of country attractions, coming from far and wide to fill up the stock pens-turned-parking lots, and the weather remained blissfully clear throughout the show as dynamic clouds soared overhead. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “We are all very happy with the turnout and the weather, the message is out there ‘Join the crowd and come to Stroud!’” James Harris, President of the Show, told News Of The Area. Chainsaws roared to life with the ever-famous wood splitting and sawing competitions, turning enormous, hulking tree trunks into neat and slender beams or discs. The traditional cattle and horse competitions were held, along with the poultry and specific chicken pavilions, however, for a brief moment all were outshone by the dog-jumping competition, in which Fergus the kelpie scrambled over a 2.4m fence, to the amazement of the crowd. “Equestrian contenders have travelled from all over NSW, also down from Queensland to compete at Stroud,” Mr Harris proudly informed NOTA. A stark juxtaposition occurred on Day 2 when the ute barrel races and the 6-bar show jumping occurred simultaneously on adjacent showgrounds – something for everyone. Humans proved equally entertaining, with the national-level dancers from Valley Dance Academy alongside the arts displays, and the ever-popular ‘Wife Carrying’ competition (likely unheard of in ‘the City’), clean and active fun was had by couples and kids alike, despite being a great path to mud-covered embarrassment. “We opened it to kids last year because they all wanted to have a go,” Mr Harris told NOTA. “About half these kids came all the way from Sydney to carry their siblings in the race, because they had so much fun last year.” Several show-goers who hailed from Sydney openly professed their refreshment about the Stroud Show’s atmosphere and culture, unequivocally declaring it was vastly superior to anything held recently in the state capital. By Thomas O’KEEFE Kids Carrying racers, some came from afar for this single event. Equestrian Show Jumping drew competitors from interstate. Stilted cowgirls stood out among the crowds. Mark Williscroft lit his whips afire. ‘Young Woman of the Year’ won by Taylah Boyle (L) with 2014 winner Emily Steel-Ryan. The ever-popular Wife-Carrying competition is alive and well at the Stroud Show. Dancers from the Valley Dance Academy entertained with their art. Fergus, the energetic, high-flying kelpie. Fergus leaping to 240cm high, over the wall.
