Instead of the annual Bega Show, this weekend will see a Community Event happening at the Bega Showground.
Bega Show Society Committee member, Norm Pearce told East Coast Radio plenty of the usual show activities will still be happening including dodgem cars, animal nurseries, the Saturday 9pm fireworks, live music and Saturday talent fest, and the famous demolition derby on Sunday night.
Pearce said they couldn’t host a full show this year due to the works happening at the Showground on the new evacuation centre.
“It was due to be our 150th Show this year but because of the works and because we didn’t know how much of the site we’d have to work with, we decided to call this one the Bega Community Event,” Pearce said.
“We have about two-thirds of the showground to work with as the works on the evacuation centre and well underway and we’re set for a big weekend,” he said.
The three day event beginning today, will see showjumping, the Young Farmers Challenge, dog high jump competitions, and prestigious Bega Dairy judging, plus lots of rides and stalls for the young ones to enjoy.
Entry is a gold coin donation or $5 on card to get into the Showground.
“We didn’t want to put our normal gate entry fee on this year because we didn’t know exactly how many events we were going to have and we didn’t want to upset people, so that’s why it’s a community event this year, so everyone can come and join in the fun,” Pearce said.
Animal owners in Bega are being warned to keep their furry friends inside on Saturday night.
The 9pm Fireworks on Saturday will be a key part of the community event, with animal owners asked to keep pets indoors around that time.
While they’re looking forward to this weekends festivities, the Bega Show Society Committee are already planning for next year’s 150th Bega Show!
“I’m actually working on a Festival Australia grant worth quite a large sum,” Pearce said.
“We’ve had quite a few letters of support come in, and we’ve been talking to people to numerous people in the community about what we could do for the 150th Bega Show to make it extra special,” he said.
“We’ll hopefully have all of our normal events back for our 150th Show with the big pavillion and the new evacuation centre which is a multipurpose building.”
Registration for the Bega Valley Motors Demolition Derby at the Bega Community Event closes at midnight tonight (Friday February 16). Call Brett Rogers on 0428 922 197 to secure your spot.
The committee are urging locals and visitors to support this weekend’s community event.
“Come along, bring your mates and have a look at the showground and all the work that’s happening there as well as our entertaining actvities and events and enjoy the food, the animals and the good times.”
Images: Bega Show
