Horsham Show 2018 celebrates 140 years with festivities for all ages | Photos, video, pictures

In recent years, the Horsham Agricultural Society have been making changes to bring a new breathe of life in the annual event. 

For the show’s 140th year, the society made a big decision to relocate the Horsham Show to their land on Maydale Reserve, which visitors raved about. 

Horsham’s Lydia Ward had not visited the show for many years. But, it was the show committee’s new ideas that reignited her interest. 

“It has been a long time since I have come to the Horsham Show,” she said. 

“When I was a child the show’s always followed the same format, but the committee has really brought in fresh and innovative ideas that has really changed the show for the better.”

Ms Ward said the different layout at the show this year was a surprising change. 

“It’s great to see they have shifted it all over to one part of the showgrounds,” she said. “It was great to see local people and clubs on show as we entered. We were able to see the Horsham Dog Obedience Club and its members show off their skills.”  

Ms Ward said the Horsham Show was a family day-out and her children were most interested in the animals. Her children had no trouble finding the miniature pony ride. 

Horsham’s Amy Brown and her children could be found in the animal nursery.

Mrs Brown said the show was an annual outing for her family and the animals were always the main attraction.

“I love the new entrance for the show. The way it is set up there is more of a focus on the animals,” she said.

Horsham’s Kathryn Hardy said the new location was a “terrific idea” that has made the show more vibrant. 

In her eyes, the Horsham Show was all about the produce and crafts showcased in the pavilion. 

“I am always drawn to the produce and crafts – it’s what the show is all about and there is plenty of it,” she said.

Mrs Hardy said the show has activities for everyone.

The sideshow alley was a great attraction for her grand daughters and her husband was involved in the truck show. 

Horsham Agricultural Society secretary Andrea Cross said the annual show had great crowds than were larger than previous years. 

She said the society’s members had been hearing positive feedback throughout the day about the shift in location for the annual event. 

“We are absolutely delighted that everyone is incredibly positive about the changes,” she said. 

Mrs Cross said the day brought about unexpected surprises such as the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride participants who rode into the show on their bikes, which was great.

The sideshow alley is always a place for show-goers to test their limits. The annual Horsham Show was no exception were children and adults alike found themselves on plenty of thrilling rides. 

At this year’s show, the Kamikaze, No Limit, Starship and Midnight Madness were the top rides for people to discover how brave they truly are. 

Wail’s Samantha Burridge was found on No Limit – a ride that had her propel through the air at new heights. 

She said it was “definitely the craziest thing” she has ever done. Despite being scared to the core, the experience was worth it.

With the adrenaline pumping and her hands shaking, she said she will give the ride another crack.

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