Royal Canberra Show

The Royal Canberra Show is an agricultural show that has been staged annually in Canberra since 1927 by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society. The show has agriculture at its core, but it has expanded with the addition of rides, competitions and educational facilities. It is said that this is where "city meets country" and "country meets city".^[1]

History

The Royal Canberra Show can trace its origins back to 1908 when the Ginninderra Farmers' Union organised a show at Ginninderra each year until 1915. The Advance Hall and District Association organised a small district show in 1924 and 1925. The show of 1927 is officially recognised by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society as the first "inaugural" Canberra Show. The show continued to grow: the first two-day show was held in 1931, and the 1932 show was opened by Prime Minister J.A. Lyons. After a hiatus in World War II, the show resumed with the support of leading sheep breeder Sir Walter Merriman. In 1964 the show moved to its permanent home at the Canberra Showground. The Show was given "Royal" status in 1979.

The Show today

Royal Canberra Show, February 2015

The number of people who enter their livestock and other agricultural goods into the various competitions has increased,^[1] reflecting the significant role the Show plays in the development of the skills and excellence of those who live in the surrounding region, according to the Royal Canberra Show website.

In 2012, the show marked the International Year of the Farmer.^[2] The 2015 show took place from 27 February 1 March at Exhibition Park in Lyneham, Canberra.^[3]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Royal Canberra Show.

• Royal Canberra Show website