The first Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society show was held in July 1914. The first president of the Society was J. Cudmore of Tara. The recreation reserve was leased from Barcaldine Shire Council, an enlarged area was fenced and headstones from the first cemetery were removed from the enclosure [presumably leaving the remains in the ground?].
After £1,200 was spent, the area cleared of turkey bush, and a fall of rain the previous month, conditions were perfect when the Governor, Sir Arthur Morgan opened Barcaldine’s first show. Attendance was estimated at over 1,000 and nearly 50 cars arrived from the district. Despite the outbreak of war so soon afterwards, shows continued annually until the drought year of 1926.
The show was abandoned for the second time in 1931 when Thomas Hannay, then president of the society, died.
The highlight of the social year for the sheepmen in 1956 was participation in the Show. Amenities of the grounds were improved and a wool court, built in 1952, soon proved too small for the fleeces displayed. Most properties were prepared to donate fleeces to the society. The Governor-General was invited to open the show, and although Sir William and Lady Slim flew in on May 10 their sojourn was brief – limited to an opening and an inspection of scouts, guides and returned servicemen.
The agricultural section of the Barcaldine’s show was always well represented, the area famed for its farm and garden produce especially its citrus fruit from its earliest days.
