Affordable family fun at Dayboro Show

Published 4:00pm 8 June 2023

Words by Ashleigh Howarth

The township of Dayboro will be a hive of activity in July with thousands of people expected to walk through the showgrounds for the 66th annual Dayboro Show.

Organisers have put together a bumper program of family friendly activities, live entertainment and country hospitality from July 8-9.

Dayboro Show Society Secretary Alison Taylor says much work has gone into ensuring this year’s show will be the biggest yet. The theme is bees and honey.

“We always ensure we have lots of attractions and entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy – we have everything you would expect at a country show,” Alison says.

This year, the show society has secured several major performers to entertain the crowds.

These include The Outback Riders – an equestrian drill team known for their precision moves and high-speed manoeuvres – as well as the Eljay Freestyle Motorbike Show, a breakdancer from New York, The Seamstresses, Scoot the stunt juggler and a hula hoop circus performer.

According to Alison, the woodchopping competition also attracts plenty of spectators.

“We normally have a few Australian and international champions who come and compete, and they always draw a big crowd,” she says.

If you’re looking to kickstart the fun early, head to the showgrounds on Friday, July 7 for the dog show, where hundreds of owners and their four-legged friends will be vying to be crowned top dog.

“The dog show has been running for more than 50 years now and people really seem to enjoy it,” Alison says.

“Last year, there were about 400 entries, which was amazing.

“The dog show is the only event on Friday, so it is free for the public to come down and watch. You won’t be able to access any other parts of the show though.”

By the next morning, the show will be in full swing. Once inside the gates, there will be plenty of free activities for families to enjoy, making it an affordable day out.

“Once you have bought your entry ticket, you don’t have to fork out a lot of extra money to enjoy all the extras of the show,” Alison says.

“We have a whole section dedicated to free activities for the kids, which includes an animal nursery, rock climbing, a puppet/magic show, face painting and more.

“There is also a fun passport activity for kids where they go around the show and collect stamps. We really wanted to ensure the show is cost effective and affordable for families.”

Rides at Sideshow Alley and showbags are an additional cost.

Other highlights of this year’s show include the Dakabin State High School cattle and sheep show, mini trots, the barnyard babies and sheep shearing, the Urban Reptiles display and interaction, show jumping, sheep dog trial demonstrations, duck herding demonstrations, camp cooking demonstrations, mini kids bouncy rodeo and displays from the Dayboro Historical Society and Pine Rivers Historical Machinery Association.

In addition, the show pavilions will be packed with exhibits including cooking, flowers, photography, needlework, art and craft, honey, beer, wine, jams, pickles, as well as fruits and vegetables.

Dayboro State School and Dayboro Kindy will also have displays.

If you get hungry, the show kitchen will be serving ready-to-eat food such as burgers, chips, fish and chips and lasagne. There will also be a variety of food trucks and coffee vans. Alternatively, visitors can bring their own lunch.

The annual Dayboro Show is run and organised by volunteers with all profits from the show being used to maintain and upgrade the showgrounds for the community to use.