Show manager for the past two years Jenny Tilse stepped down from the post and the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association is searching for someone else to fill the position.

President Trevor Hardes said the association was looking for someone with fresh ideas to make the event something spectacular in the city’s history.

“It is a paid position on a permanent part-time basis with variable hours and we would like to hear from anyone interested in taking it on,” Mr Hardes said.

Meanwhile, suggestions had been made to extend the show across four days, but this was voted out at a

meeting on Tuesday night.

“There were enough votes against the idea so the show will be held over three days – February 18, 19 and 20 next year,” Mr Hardes said.

“There had been a lot of interest in it (four days) but it was voted down even though we were hoping to have something special and different for the 150th anniversary.”

Mr Hardes said the main objections came from the horticulturists who were concerned flowers on display would have to be brought in a day earlier and would be wilted by the end of the show.

Similar concerns were expressed about cake judging because freshly cooked items would also have to be brought in and displayed for an extra day.

“The main push for the association is for extra ringside entertainment such as country music bands in the centre ring from the Sunday morning until lunchtime,” Mr Hardes said.

“Planning is happening now because we want the 2011 show to be a fantastic event.”

The show will open from noon on the Friday and close at 2pm on the Sunday, he said.

Mr Hardes said it is also a coup for Maitland to host the showgirl zone final at the town hall next March.

“There will be 14 showgirls and their supporters coming to Maitland to compete and two will be selected to go to Sydney,” he said.

“This is a huge event on Maitland’s calendar and it will be a boost for the area.”