Crowds flocked to the showground to line the main arena and watch all of the animals, cars and farm machinery pass by.

The iconic event will return to the show on Saturday with a special tribute to the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

Maitland Showground manager Brett Gleeson said the RFS would lead the parade in recognition of their heroic efforts fighting bushfires in recent months.

"The board wanted to recognise and thank the RFS and thought this was a good way to do that," he said.

"Bringing back the grand parade will add a 'wow factor' to the show. The committee felt it would be a good thing to do and we think it will bring new energy into the show. A lot of shows have a grand parade and we haven't had one here for a long time so it's a good time to revive it in Maitland."

The 2020 Maitland Showgirl, and the showgirl entrants, will take part in the parade. They will ride in the back of vintage cars.

Ringmaster Geoff Adams will be at the helm to ensure the parade runs smoothly.

It's not an easy task.

Most horses don't like llamas or alpacas, so all of those animals will be strategically split between the front and back of the parade.

Then there is the problem of animals mixing with vehicles.

Mr Adams said a circle of vehicles and a separate circle of animals should do the trick.

"My role is to keep the rings running on time to keep people entertained," he said.

"We'll have cattle coming in from one side of the showground and horses coming in from the other.

"We'll have our champion riders taking part as well.

"On the track we'll have the motorbikes, the vintage cars with the showgirls, and the Demolition Derby cars.

"It will be hectic for me, but it is a job you take on to make it run smoothly."

It has been so long since the grand parade was part of the program that nobody can remember when, or why, it ceased.

"I can remember years ago back when they had tractors lined up out the back of the grandstand and they took part in the parade," Mr Adams said.

"The grand parade was full of agriculture back then.

"The agriculture side of it is starting to fade away and we are trying to get it back in the spotlight now. I'm hoping it does run to plan and the weather is on our side.

"When the show is on it's either raining heavy or it's that hot that you can't stand out in it. Let's hope it's just nice and cool."

The parade will take place in the main arena at 3pm on Saturday.

Maitland Show is on February 14-16 at Maitland Showground.

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