It would be a huge shame if the heatwave that’s been striking NSW, including the Lower Hunter, in recent weeks makes the horticulture exhibition at Maitland Show go up in a puff of dry dust.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the annual show only a week away, organisers are treating their flowers, plants, shrubs and other flora with great care as the heat threatens to make their produce shrivel up and die.
The show’s horticulture director Adele Cockburn told Fairfax Media she expected flowers to be a rare sight at the event.
While the exhibition would attract some of the die-hard plant and flower growers, Ms Cockburn said she was worried there would be few entries.
That would be a sad thing not only for show organisers, but also for the wider community.
“Buds have been scorched before they’ve even opened,” Ms Cockburn said.
“Any produce that comes in will be likely scorched on the top, and that’s not something that should be shown.
“The judges are going to have to be lenient because it’s the best we can do right now.”
Mother Nature’s latest turn has come at what was already a trying time for rural shows across regional NSW.
Fairfax Media reported recently that the Newcastle Show – which gave steel city workers a day off once upon a time – has an uncertain future for financial reasons.
Even before the recent heatwave struck, Maitland Show had experienced its fair share of challenges.
There have also been public appeals in recent years by Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association – the body that runs Maitland Show – for funding to help restore the showground’s historic grandstand, money to put on a major fireworks display and to lift ailing entrant numbers for the Maitland Showgirl competition.
Fairfax Media has made the point on multiple occasions that rural shows are important traditions that celebrate the rich history of regional Australia.
So whatever happens with entries for the horticulture exhibit, get out to Maitland Showground next weekend and support this great annual community event.
The show will be held between 8am and 10pm on February 17 and 18 and between 8am and 4pm on February 19.
Visit www.maitlandshowground.com.au for more information about what’s on at this year’s show as well as event times and ticket information.