Page 7 - The Outdoor Showman January - March 2025

much at the heart of the show, but the
excitement has been amplified with a
variety of new attractions. Committee
President, Trudy Fanning explains;
“This year we have taken the shift to
a one-day event as a bit of a trial. As a
committee we feel overall that a lot of
families and competition attendees are
only able to coordinate attending one
day for several reasons. This can then
feel like they must pick and choose
which day to attend around events
and favoured entertainment, often left
missing out on a highlight of the show.
We’ve kept all the bones of past line-
ups, just programmed it for Saturday
with the aim people will get more
bang for their buck so to speak” With
the exception of the Horse events,
which will still run over the two days.
The 2025 Deniliquin Show schedule
promises a day jam-packed of
activities, with regular livestock
classes. The pavilion, filled with
displays of arts and crafts.
Agricultural competitions, both for
recognised excellence and just for
fun. The tiny tots, Miss & Master
Showgirl & Boy for the cute factor
and much more. Attendees can
expect to see everything from
cattle, sheep, and horse judging to
showjumping and equestrian events,
as well as displays of local produce,
crafts, and wool. It’s a day that blends
history and innovation, celebrating
the region’s agricultural roots while
offering something for everyone.
An Event for the Whole Family
The Deniliquin Show is more than
just a celebration of rural life; it’s a
chance for families and visitors to
come together for a day of fun. The
2025 event will feature a variety of
entertainment and activities, from
camel rides from the Billabong Ranch
crew, and Redlilly Farms petting farm
to carnival rides and side show alley.
Children (and their parents) can enjoy
the variety of free activities while
adults peruse the trade stalls offering
agricultural products, handmade
goods. Those who are after more of a
thrill can hang around for the charge
of the tent peggers throughout
the day, and the adrenaline of the
Demo Derby after dark. The show
will then be signposted to have
come to an end for another year,
with Griffs fireworks to cap off a day
of action-packed entertainment.
Tent Pegging Revived in 2025:
A Thrilling Tradition
One of the highlights of the 2025
Deniliquin Show will be the return
1969 judging of Miss Showgirl
Credit: Deniliquin and District Historical Society
1969 Miss Autumn Winners
Credit: Deniliquin and District Historical Society
Miss Showgirl 1965,
Beryl Fenton, Kerry Nolan, Margaret Davies
Credit: Deniliquin and District Historical Society
Credit: Ryan Heffer, Deniliquin P & A Society
of Tent Pegging, a traditional
equestrian sport that has deep
roots in Australian rural culture.
Introduced by British settlers in the
19th century, and once a section
of the show. Tent pegging involves
riders using a lance or sword to
remove pegs from the ground while
galloping at speed, showcasing
remarkable skill and precision.
This exciting sport will be on full
display during the show, with
multiple demonstrations of the
famous charge, highlighting
the connection between horse
and rider. Historical images
from the 1969 Deniliquin Show
provide a beautiful snapshot of
past tent pegging competitions,
reminding us of the long-
standing tradition that will once
again be celebrated in 2025.
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 5