Sideshow alley is set up with something for the whole family and the ride operators cannot wait to see the Maitland community out there having fun.

After the show's cancellation last year - and a horrid series of cancellations that followed - they are hoping this is the start on a new path that will but them firmly on their feet - and their bank accounts back in the black.

"We've got as much as we can possibly fit into the area this year - everyone is so excited to come back," Showmen's Guild trustee Lew Osborne said.

"We've got all the usual favourites - the Ferris Wheel, ghost trains, Dodgem cars.

"The Twister and the Wipe Out ride are here to make their debut at the Maitland Show, they are both new rides.

"We've got royal class standard show equipment here so we hope the community will come along and support us."

Mr Osborne said it was hard to pick a favourite with so much choice, but for him, it was the Dodgem cars that always stole his heart.

"I love the Dogem cars the best because they're so much fun and because everyone can get involved - but there's really something here for the whole family," he said.

"We've got games and the ducks and the fish and all those things for the kids to try as well."

There's a huge program of free entertainment once you pay the entry free.

Tickets to Maitland Show at the gate are $50 for two adults and two children, $20 for an adult, $15 for pensioners and $10 for children 5-15 years. Children under 5 are free.

Tickets are slightly cheaper if bought online through the show website.

Click here for the full show program.

Click here for the showground map

In other Maitland Show news:

Lawn mower racing - yes you read that right

The show goes on in its 160^th year

Look who's fluffing their feathers

'Produce' is the word on grower's lips

Gardeners' heaven on the cards