Woodford Show

With 2011 being our Centenary year it is nice to look back to our humble beginnings and realise what wonderful achievements have come about during that time. Gone by experiences, as in the very early days of heating Plum Puddings for lunch in an old copper on a dirt floor, to today having a dining hall with volunteers catering all kinds of hot foods as well as cold with much more modern conveniences. From not only holding a wonderful annual show for townsfolk and visitors, but this year offering camping to 1200 plus campers for the Splendour In the Grass Event in July/August.

The Woodford Agricultural, Pastoral & Industrial Association Inc held their first show in 1911. Then during World War II in 1942 – 1945 had a three year break where nothing was organised for obvious reasons.

The first pavilion was elevated through the use of  high stumps, given the grounds are prone to flood. The very first Junior Farmers Exhibits were staged under this building in the first year of this competition. Later this building was lowered and then eventually removed to its new home in the Caboolture Historical Village.

After the 1974 floods when the showgrounds were under water much of the written history of the society was lost,  fortunately though some of it was recovered  from a glass cake cupboard.  Since then all the buildings have been replaced by what was then the Caboolture Shire Council.

In November 2008 the Committee acquired the old Woodford Police Station built in the 1880′s which replaced the original Secretary’s Office. Although built in the 1880′s it is a remarkably sound building and one with a lot of history, used at Show time and other major events. The most recent upgrade was the installation of two toilets. Most meetings are held in this building, and a few months ago it became the nerve centre during this year’s Splendour camping event.

The Society conducts all facets of a Show Society and a Rodeo once a year and has casual camping for those travelling or for special events on the Recreation Reserve. Many Caravan Clubs and Motor Home Clubs use the grounds, as well as various Horse Sports.  Rugby, Tennis, Poultry and Pony Clubs use the grounds for their individual sports as required.

During the Annual Show the large pavilion is home to numerous displays of Cookery, Art & Photography, Handicrafts & Sewing, Horticulture, Apiary, Fruit, Vegetables and Schoolwork, along with some indoor Trade Spaces. There is a large area outside utilised for other Trade Space Exhibitors, with a bit of a juggle in 2011 to move them about and freshen things up. This year too, we are implementing a New Schools Program & a Power Point Presentation section that will involve the Woodford School and surrounding districts.

The Show Society conducts all classes in Junior Judging; in Stud Beef, Prime Beef and Handlers competitions. One year they had seventy-six entries in Stud Beef Judging for the youth, with many schools attending and staying overnight.

At one time Woodford hosted the Show Girl finals where Woodford representative Anna Grant went through to the “Ekka” (RNA) finals. Other girls representing Woodford at the different balls were numerous, with some like Margie Page of Peachester (1986) who went onto the State finals and won. Anita McAuley Kilcoy won the Sub Chamber finals and then the State final. There have been many entrants and winners over the years but sadly after 1997 the Show Ball came to an end.

However in 2011 we will be holding the Show Ball again for our Centenary year so if you are interested in becoming Miss Show Girl let us know. We are looking to continue the Miss Show Girl Quest beyond 2011 depending on the interest shown this year. The Show Ball will be held on Saturday night at Woodford’s Community Hall in the main street on 28th May. Watch for our advertisements after the New Year with regard to this fun filled event. Anyone who is interested in taking part in the Show Princess or Show Queen competition can contact Clint for more details on 0432 641 118.

For our Centenary year we are looking to provide something new and different to recent shows and incorporate the old and the new and make it something special for Woodford residents to be proud of.