MERRIWA Springtime Show president Rob Tindall says he has been blown away by the support of the community in the lead-up to their 110th show this weekend.
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The passionate local says it's set to be one of the biggest programs in years, on Saturday, September 21, with some fresh new ideas such as pig races, steak cook offs, whip-cracking and the much-anticipated return of fireworks.
"People are just getting so behind the event this year and it's very rewarding to know that you've only got to drop an idea and people are out there wanting to help," Mr Tindall said.
The show is the largest community event on Merriwa's calendar and this year's instalment is set to be even bigger with a major celebration planned for the 110th anniversary.
"We've spent a bit more than we normally do and we started a youth committee on the show [in 2019] who have been involved in the organisational side of things," Mr Tindall said.
Saturday is the big day and while there will be all the traditional events - sheep, stud cattle, poultry and horses - there will be plenty of new attractions such as chainsaw art, western fire and whip-cracking performances and a scarecrow competition.
"We will have a local artist from over Scone way who makes sculptures out of wood using a chainsaw only who will be doing some demonstrations, and those will be donated back to the show to be auctioned at the end of the day," Mr Tindall explained.
"Another new attraction is pig races, with all our pigs sponsored by local people and businesses.
"We'll run about six races on the day between 10am and 4pm, run on the hour."
The Wideland Challenge is also back by popular demand after its debut last year, with additional age groups to give more people the chance to compete.
"The scarecrow competition is a new one," Mr Tindall said.
"It will be judged on the Saturday with three age groups - primary school, high school and open - and the best scarecrow wins.
"There'll also be a free kids' tent with face painting, colouring in and more, to give the parents an opportunity to go into the Ladies Auxiliary and have a look around."
The bi-annual Showgirl Competition also returns in 2019, in its 58th year.
The headline act will be Walter Whip and The Flames, a performance team that appeared on Australia's Got Talent and travel from show to show performing western arts and fire-whip displays.
He will host whip-cracking workshops throughout the day and a finale at about 7pm followed by a fireworks display at 8pm.
"The community is behind the show and we are just hoping for a beautiful day and a top event," Mr Tindall concluded.
Gates open at 8.30am at the Merriwa Showground on Saturday, September 21.
For more information visit www.merriwashow.com.au