Thousands of people made their way through Maitland Showground on the weekend to enjoy rides, entertainment, show bags, games, farm animals and some of the region’s finest fresh produce.

There were fireworks, precision drivers, larakin stockmen, adrenaline-pumping thrills and cute animals – in short, something for everyone.

Show organisers should be congratulated on another successful event this year, after the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association made an effort to take the show back to its roots and give punters the traditional rural show experience.

Congratulations should also go to all of the Maitland Showgirl entrants – particularly Miranda O’Brien, who was named winner of the competition on Saturday night.

Ms O’Brien said, as showgirl, she wanted to promote youth involvement with the show, promote the region’s agricultural sector, and inspire other girls to enter the competition. 

This year, the newly renovated showground grandstand was finally unveiled after years of being in a state of disrepair and a long public campaign to have the century-old structure revitalised.

Fairfax Media has made the point previously that events like the Maitland Show are important traditions in rural and regional Australia – they were once the premier event on a town’s social calendar.

It was where the best livestock and fresh produce – the result of back breaking hard work – was put on show and the region’s exceptional producers received well-earned public recognition.

That tradition may have receded in some rural and regional towns in recent decades, but judging from what unfolded at Maitland Showground over the weekend, that’s clearly not the case in this city.

Agriculture is a strong part of Maitland’s history, and it’s important that we don’t forget that history.

“I think it shows the community is eager to get back to basics,” show coordinator Bronwyn Bell told Fairfax Media as the event was winding to a close on Sunday afternoon. “We’ve focused on education, the paddock to plate, free attractions and the beautifully renovated grandstand.”

Congratulations to the show committee for putting on an excellent weekend of entertainment.