Page 17 - The Outdoor Showman April - June 2025

in agriculture. Beyond the delight
of fairy floss and the excitement
of winning a giant teddy, children
and teens now participate in a
growing number of competitions.
We proudly host Junior Baking,
Handicraft and Young Farmers
Challenge events, nurturing hands-
on skills and rural pride from a
young age. Most notably, our
Schools Agricultural Competition
has become one of the largest in
the state, with more than 20 local
schools regularly involved in cattle
parading, produce & judging, and
educational displays. It’s a program
we are deeply proud of—fostering
future leaders in agriculture
while keeping the heartbeat of
the show alive and thriving.
Another enduring and meaningful
element of the Penrith Show is
the way it brings together not just
families and farmers, but also the
vital services that support our
community. Like many agricultural
shows across the country, Penrith
proudly partners with local
organisations such as the Rural
Fire Service, State Emergency
Service, NSW Police, and other first
responders, who attend where
possible to educate, engage, and
connect with the public. These
exhibits promote awareness of the
essential work these services do,
while also giving younger visitors
a thrill – whether it’s climbing into
a fire truck, trying on a helmet, or
meeting a local police officer or rescue
crew member. These moments of
interaction not only create lifelong
memories, but also foster respect,
admiration, and even inspiration in the
next generation of community heroes.
Through its 180-year journey, the
Penrith Show has experienced
interruptions from world wars,
economic depressions, fire,
financial pauses and more recently
global pandemics and potential
acquisitions, yet the spirit of the
Society has never dimmed. From
colonial paddocks to modern
grandstands, from prize ploughing
to fireworks, the Penrith Annual
Show has grown into a cornerstone
of Western Sydney’s identity. With
180 years since formation, it stands
as one of the oldest agricultural
celebrations in Australasia – and
a shining testament to resilience,
unity, and the power of a community
that never stopped showing up.
Here’s to 180 years of history – and
the many generations still to come.
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 15
THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN 15