Impending rain must have had the Heritage Bank sponsors, volunteers and show organisers anxious, but the general Toowoomba community turned out in droves for the return of the Toowoomba Show. Eager to take advantage of the public holiday, and weary of the restrictions of the pandemic, families flocked to the attractions and particularly Sideshow Alley.

The fact that by 9.45am the car parks were overflowing, and the sun was out, meant the promise of a crowd pleaser. As we meandered along towards the Founders Pavilion, the jaunty Greek Gardening Australia’s Costa gave us a friendly welcome on his way to his many sessions. One of the highlights of this year’s regional show was the Mulberry Project and its gardens produced by a team dedicated to including recent migrant and refugee arrivals, volunteers and the local business supporters like Pohlman’s Nursery.

Those who missed out on getting to their Long Lunch this time need to be alert and not miss the next one.

With a jam-packed program and map under our arm we set out around the large, well-maintained site to see the sights.

WIth the Bluey and Bingo Show, the rides, Show bags, Dog Training, Circus, Dinosaurs, Pig Racing, Animal Nursery and the traditional Dagwood dogs and fairy floss, the kids were well catered for. Bigger kids were on the lookout for the Wood Chop, Jet ski show, the big boy tractors, Reptile display and hearty food choices.

And then into the Pavilion and the quaility of the displays was outstanding. Cooking demonstrations with Paul West; the introduction by Elizabeth Kempster of her “Memoirs of a Jersey Girl”; the floral handicraft and cake displays were awe-inspiring. Reminders of a forthcoming election sprinkled in amongst the CWA scones and jam made for an interesting cross-section. Local identity Greg ‘ Johnno says’ Johnson and Con the Fruiterer made an appearance.

We were fascinated by the extraordinary talent of the cake decorators and the spinning and weaving entries. Don’t you agree? WATCH THIS SPACE for an amazing announcement from Chief Steward, Marion, about a Toowoomba first from her loom. We are very excited!

A very poignant reminder of how lucky we are despite recent flooding and COVID disruptions was the Ukrainian traditional Easter basket on display.

With a wide selection of food to keep the energy up, and a twirl on the rides (from the ground of course), our few hours at the show were a treat………but with the evening program and the weekend to come, let’s hope the skies are kind. Well done everyone involved!