The Hunter River is one of the oldest settled regions of New South Wales. The area attracted men who had already made their mark in the Parramatta and Hawkesbury regions as well as newly arrived migrants. It was dominated by wealthy free settlers, often of military background.
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Most owned large grants of land and engaged in pastoralism. There was also a long-standing interest in promoting better farming. This was evident as early as 1822 when the Agricultural Society of NSW made special provision for representation to be given to the Hunter Region.
In 1827 a Farmers' Club was instituted at the Hunter River. Among its objectives were the promotion of cotton, tobacco, viticulture and the production of beer and cider. It does not appear to have survived long and it wasn’t until the 1840’s that any attempt was made to replace it.
In 1842 the Hunter River Society was launched and was later reconstituted as the Hunter River Agricultural Association. In 1844 they staged a ploughing match in a paddock near the Falls (the present Hannan and Semphill Street). The first show of livestock, agricultural and other exhibits was held in the yards and shed of the Albion Inn, West Maitland in May 1844.
The Association held annual shows until 1847 when its activities ended because of dissension between vignerons and agriculturalist-pastoralists.
Twelve years later a ploughing match was held at Harbottle's paddock near Wallis Creek bridge and following the success of the competition the present Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association was reconstituted on August 16, 1859. It has functioned continuously ever since and is believed to be the oldest continuing regional agricultural association on the mainland.
The annual shows have been a feature of community life in Maitland for generations with ring events and sideshow being the most popular attractions.
In 2004 Maitland Show went a long way to re-establishing itself as the premier regional show in NSW attendances exceeding 55,000 people.
The Maitland Showground has become the permanent home for the Showmen's Guild inaugural Super Show held at Speers Point. Over the last five years, Maitland has entertained over 500,000 people at the annual Show.
Since the commencement of the Super Show it has been able to maintain the balance between the Showmen's Side Show Alley/Amusement Park and a true Agricultural Society Show. It is this second aspect, namely revitalizing the agricultural and community links of the Show, which is believed will see its future secure, building on over 150 years plus of past performance.
