Page 21 - The Outdoor Shoman JUL-SEP 2019

ROYAL DARWIN SHOW
Show Report 25-27 July 2019
This year’s Royal Darwin Show overall was successful with challenges in a number of areas.
The general economic climate has impacted on most major events in the NT this year and given this we were very pleased with attendance and support by both stallholders and the public.
A barcoded system was introduced this year for all ticket types including memberships.
There were a few glitches as with any new system however next year should see these resolved and reports on attendance figures and ticket types will be easy to access.
Entertainment included the famous Racing Pigs, Dinkum Dinosaurs, Holden V Ford and a comprehensive line up of horse events including polo crosse in the main arena. The traditional Spear throwing competition has become a mainstay also in the main arena with traditional dancing by ‘One Mob’. Our Celebrity Baking competition featuring local sporting heroes was again very entertaining with Her Honour the Administrator and husband once
gain the anchor judges with local identity Charlie King proving to be an entertaining and lively emcee.
Sideshow proved as always hugely popular with locals especially
our younger patrons who look forward each year to the rides and entertainment.
Food stalls have increasingly gained more focus in recent years and many different types of foods are now available reflecting Darwin’s multi-cultural identity – everything from Thai to Canarian to Greek and French.
Most competitive classes were very well supported and some first class exhibits which were on display demonstrated the awesome talent we have in the Top End. Our most prestigious award - the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee trophy was won by Justine Mitchell – one of her entries included a completely iced and crafted cake in the form of a standing pig decked out in flying gear.
In 2021 the Royal Darwin Show celebrates 70 years and planning has already begun to make this a great community celebration to mark this significant milestone.
Cherry Court CEO
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 19