A warm invite to the biggest little show in Rai Valley

Steeped in tradition and showcasing the very best of what Rai Valley has to offer, organisers of the upcoming REM Ltd Rai Valley A&P Show are looking forward to offering a good old-fashioned day out on March 04, with machinery displays, steam engines, vintage cars, equestrian events, giant pumpkins, a really young farmer competition, auctions, fancy dress, the ever-popular Rai Challenge, prizes and live entertainment. After pushing through Covid interruptions for the last two years, secretary and treasurer Libby Archer says preparations are well underway and the countdown is now on. “Lots of hours, by lots of people, go into preparing for the show. We’ve had two working bees recently to repair buildings damaged by the August floods, there’s regular building maintenance that’s needed, as well as the hay fundraiser. This year we were fortunate to get a good number of bales off the grounds and these will be sold to cover operating expenses and costs for our team of 80 to 100 volunteers.”

Noelene Robbins and her husband Max have been attending the A&P Show since it first began in 1936 and they say not much has changed over the years. “It is still a wonderful day out! It was always very exciting as a small child, and it is still wonderful. Back in the early days we had the chopping events and the animals, much like we do now. I enjoy so many things about it - the mer- ry- go-rounds and the sideshows, and I just hope we have a nice sunny day.”

President Jamie Knight has been involved with the show for over six years and says Covid has definitely been the biggest challenge.

“But the highlights are seeing large numbers of people at the shows and being able to put on an event that celebrates our heritage and still provides a great day out for old and young.” The event sees around 3000 people attending each year from all across the Top of the South. “Back in 1936 the show was predominantly about showing livestock and items grown or produced in the homes of people in district.

It's always been known as a day when all come together, neighbours catch up on recent events and farmer's talk production and compare practices. It is the day on the calendar where everyone takes the day off to catch up with mates, neighbours and distant friends. Wood chopping is still happening, and sheep are still being shown after nearly 90 years.”

Libby says this year they are focussing on the kids in the local region. “We are working together with the schools and hoping that we get loads of entries to showcase the talents in our region. We are keen to keep a balance of the traditional within the show with the addition of a few new things to keep it relevant. You can still enter a sponge cake, home grown produce, homemade cider or knitting garments, but we’re also doing some new things. For example, this year, with the support of Bowater Toyota, we’ve got a new category for the roadworthy ute with the highest km. We are hoping to have a local line-up of all the Hilux models ever made.” Run largely by volunteers, Libby says the event wouldn’t be possible without their goodwill.

“There are so many people and businesses to thank! REM Ltd have come on board as our naming rights sponsor, they’re our local engineering and mechanical firm. Several local and national businesses support us and then there’s also all the individuals –lots of local people sponsoring prize monies for various categories.”

Volunteers are key to the success of the show, says Jamie. “Without everyone taking time out of their busy lives we definitely wouldn't be able to run a show like we do. Our secretary puts in a mammoth effort organizing, and right down to the community members who help out on the day, they are what makes our show the show it is. I would personally like to thank Andrea Pilcher for her work through the non-show years, it was heart-breaking having to cancel a show after a whole year of her hard work.”