COMBOYNE Show committee and recently announced life member, Col Amos, has many stories to tell from his 55 year involvement with the event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The show will enjoy its 80th anniversary this weekend.
From torrential downpours which required tractors to pull bogged cars out of trouble at the showground, to refusing to allow four broken ribs to stop him from attending the annual event, Mr Amos has many memories. They're tough in the country.
He's seen many changes take place at the showground and he reflected as he looked down on the ground which now has an almost level playing field.
"The main difference in recent years has been the modifications up here; the grounds have been levelled which probably goes back 20-odd years and a lot of new buildings have been secured from grants," he said.
"There's still a lot of enthusiasm for the show up here, the ground mightn't look like much at the moment, but when the day comes most people turn up.
"I've been involved for 55 years and certain families make the show what it is by being involved and without them it would be very difficult to run it.
"With their enthusiasm they've inspired a lot of the others up here."
Mr Amos revealed it was his father's and family influence with a background in agriculture that ensured he became involved with the show. And it would appear to all be worth it after Col was awarded life membership a few years ago.
"It didn't surprise me but it's good to get that recognition from people two or three years ago," he said.
He said the annual event was a good chance to "show off and socialise".
"Today there's a lot of school entries going in and they get the kids involved with riding and drawings and crafty items," he said.
"It engenders community spirit and brings people together that may not get together for a whole year and that's what it's about."
"It's always growing."
paul.jobber@fairfaxmedia.com.au