Uraidla hosts one of SA’s biggest country shows
From strongman Biggie tossing a boulder from Basket Range, to a massive line-up of local music, sideshow action, sheep shearing and the traditional cherry-spitting competition, Uraidla and Summertown Show is one of the State’s biggest country shows, and it sits just over the hill from suburbia.
If you missed out on the Royal Adelaide Show, this action-packed day of showtime fun on the first Sunday in November has you covered – and here’s hoping it’ll have Premier, Peter Malinauskas covered too, as organisers work on luring the State’s top man to take part in the traditional Dunk Tank community fundraiser (we know you have budgie smugglers Mr Malinauskas!).
Another highlight of this year’s show will be a live broadcast from ABC Radio Adelaide, with host Spence Denny and South Australia’s favourite gardening guru, Sophie Thomson. Listeners can tune in as Spence and Sophie from 10am-12pm, as they bring the excitement from Uraidla to the airwaves. Sophie, known for her passion for all things gardening, will share her expertise on maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, just in time for spring planting, and later in the day, the radio hosts will officially open the show as the fun ramps up.
Uraidla Show draws a crowd of close to 8,000 show-goers, and to further cement the strong history of the popular event, a new stone will be unveiled on the day, re-writing the questionable history books to reveal that the Show Hall was in-fact moved from the old Parish site to its current location back in 1924.
Flex appeal, tree climbing and catapulting watermelons
It might be just a stone’s throw from the CBD, but Uraidla Show still oozes country charm, with exhibits, displays and competitions giving a nod to the region’s rich horticulture. Showgoers can still get a taste of traditional sheep shearing and yard dog displays, as well as a newly added demonstration of dog obedience, all while experiencing the picturesque country show atmosphere filled with loads of community spirit.
For those feeling strong, the Maddern Stone Challenge will take centre stage in the afternoon. Inspired by South Australia’s first professional Strongman, Ben Maddern, this event features the lifting of massive sandstone slabs crafted by Adelaide Hills Sandstone. Competitors will attempt to replicate Maddern’s legendary grip strength, with “Biggie” Steffans, who mastered the challenge last year, aiming to defend his title.
And for the lovers of adventure, a Tree Climb demonstration in the towering “Faraway Tree” – a glorious Pinus Radiata that has become a show landmark, will be the perfect inspiration for little tree climbers, who can then go and check out the rock-climbing wall at the oval! Another smashing highlight of the day, sure to keep the kids entertained, is the medieval trebuchet, catapulting watermelons across the Showgrounds in a juicy crowd-pleaser scheduled to run twice throughout the day.
Music and wine around the fire as show day ends with fireworks
Grab a seat and enjoy the long list of entertainment while you tuck into some traditional show favourites, as well as some good old-fashioned country fare, from the show’s famous cold collation, to homemade pastries from the SACWA Café.
Local wineries will also be offering some of the region’s finest drops, and as day turns into dusk, the show winds down with a brilliant night of music, wine around the fire and a fireworks display to call it a day.
Uraidla & Summertown Show 2024
When: Sunday, November 3, 9am – 9:30pm
Where: Uraidla Showgrounds
Cost: Entry $15, Children under 12 Free
Free buses available from Crafers Park and Ride, with shuttle buses to and from the showgrounds.
For more details visit www.uraidlashow.com
