In an attempt to teach its visitors and in particular the younger generation, where food comes from, the show will return to its agricultural roots with a host of stalls, demonstrations and entertainment focusing on fresh produce and the value of growing or producing home -grown food.

Bronwyn Bell, Operations Officer at Maitland Showground is passionate about bringing some tradition to the show this year and is keen to remind families in the community of the rich resource of fresh food available around us, whether it be from local producers or trying their hand at a home grown veggie patch.

“Kids on the whole, are so urbanised these days, there is often very little thought about where the food on their plate has come from. We hope that we can give them some inspiration and insight through the various stalls we have this year and encourage everyone to eat fresh wholesome food, it’s very much about returning to our agricultural heritage,” Bronwyn Bell said.

From cow milking to wood chopping, cooking demonstrations to food tasting the show promises to give visitors a real look at living off the land and all that involves.

There will be plenty of opportunities for show visitors to get hands-on and get a real feel for the satisfaction of growing food, rearing produce and learning more about the satisfaction of living off the land.

“Youngsters can get involved in all sorts of activities from milking a cow to coming along to our animal nursery or entering our scarecrow competition as part of the preschools program for schoolies day, where they can win a sustainable garden from Bunnings,” she added.

Running from February 17 to 19, the show offers something for everyone,  whether it’s cooking, gardening, livestock or machinery - or just a good day out full of great food and entertainment.  

“If we can spark some interest in the next generation or inspire families to take even some small steps toward embracing a paddock to plate lifestyle we will have done what we set out do to this year,” Bell said.