Page 11 - The Outdoor Showman JAN-MAR 2020
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Overview of the Camden Show
The Camden Show Society is the oldest organisation in Camden, even older than Camden Council. The show is held annually around the autumnal Equinox and our logo represents the horse (equine) and the bull (ox) hence Equinox.
In the 1860s James Macarthur (son
of Elizabeth and John Macarthur and occupants of historic Camden Park), formed a Farmers Club. Subsequently, the first Camden Agricultural Show was held in 1886.
100 years later in 1986, our Centenary Show, saw the beginning of a new, exciting era for the Society. Its enormous success encouraged the Committee and indeed the local community to support & grow the Camden Show.
2011 was our 125th Annual Show, our Quas Qui Centenary, officially opened by the Governor General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC. Not only did we celebrate 125 years of a continuous Annual Agricultural Show, a significant event anywhere in Australia, but we also incorporated displays and promotions of our local history of the significant Macarthur Region.
Since its beginnings in 1886 the Camden Show (Camden Show) has remained ...“Still a Country Show”. The Camden Show is an Agricultural Show held at the Camden Showground in the Macarthur Region, only one hour south of Sydney CBD. It is in a perfect geographical position on the urban fringe, “where the city meets the country”.
The Camden Show is an annual event held two weeks before Easter every year, 2020 being the 134th Show.
It provides the Macarthur community with an opportunity to showcase
local agricultural, horticultural, industrial and commercial resources through competition, exhibition and entertainment. The Show also provides an important rural educational event for youth, children and families.
It offers a platform to enhance local talent and cultural activities. The Show Society is committed to education and the engagement of youth to ensure the future prosperity of the Camden Show, agricultural awareness and the local rural Show movement.
The Camden Show is the biggest single event in Camden and the biggest two- day event in the Macarthur region. With more than 45,000 visitors attending our event over the two days. Visitors, competitors and exhibitors come from all parts of NSW and beyond.
While the majority reside in South Western Sydney and the Southern Highlands, they also increasingly
come from regional NSW and Sydney Metropolitan areas. In recent years, we have also hosted numerous overseas Agricultural delegations. For those needing accommodation for the Show, there are several Hotels and Motels nearby, and many exhibitors and competitors camp on the grounds, sometimes for up to a week. This provides considerable economic benefits for the local Community.
The Camden Show Society is a not for profit organisation run almost entirely by a volunteer committee and nearly 500 volunteers and with the help of dozens of Community organisations. It is an agricultural show run “by
the community for the community” offering 2 Big Days of Family Fun. It is a community event for all ages.
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