‘Pulling out all the stops’ for milestone 150th Strathalbyn Show

For decades Strathalbyn Show Life Member Rowena Leschke has seen the much-loved family event transform – captured in her historical display.

Show goers venture from across the state to visit the annual event, and make sure to stop by Carruthers Hall for the must-see attraction, encompassing years of work by the dedicated volunteer.

Historical photographs, memorabilia, news articles and information make up the display, along with original artwork.

“Every year for the flower section I would create a whole wall of drawings and always try to do something different,” Ms Leschke said.

“A lot of people would just come to see what the artwork was.

“When people come to look at the displays I create, it just makes me feel wonderful.”

Celebrating 150 years this October long weekend, the Strathalbyn Show will honour its rich history by reintroducing previous attractions, including wood chopping and blacksmith demonstrations.

Ms Leschke said Strathalbyn’s Show was known as the state’s best due to the quality of entries and state-wide interest.

“One year we had four Royal Adelaide Show judges taking part,” she said.

“For 25 years I took care of the flower section and one year we had a table of more than 1000 bottles for the cut flowers.

“The show has changed a lot over the years. I remember when the horses were another popular attraction on the centre of the oval before they moved to the polo grounds.

“Thousands would come just to watch them and we had countless entries across other competitions.”

The 1952 show saw a crowd of 6500 to 7000, with entries in the log chopping, sawing contest and sheaf tossing eclipsing numbers at the Royal Adelaide Show.

Prominent people have also attended Strathalbyn’s Show throughout the years, including pioneer aviators the Smith brothers, and cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman in 1938.

Strathalbyn’s first ‘show girl’ was appointed in 1995 – an old tradition no longer followed – similar to tractor courses and show parades.

Pigs and dairy animal sections were also affected over the years by disease concerns.

Given the importance of this year’s event, Ms Leschke said more helping hands are needed to run the additional attractions, and encouraged people to volunteer.

“We are still wanting help for the weekend,” she said.

“Everyone is doing a lot more this year to see it all come together.

“If anyone is able to spare time it would be appreciated and it’s a lot of fun.

“Also, if anyone has any memorabilia they would like to contribute to the historical display, contact our Secretary Jennie-Marie Huckstepp (strathshow@gmail.com, 0430 902 907).

“Don’t miss out on our biggest show yet.”