Wilmington’s little country show with a big heart
Wilmington Show might be one of the smaller South Aussie country shows, but the popular annual event has a heart as big as the Flinders Ranges.
Young Farmers take on a new challenge
A highlight of the September 15 event will be some farm-fuelled fun, as the Young Farmers Challenge makes its show debut. Guided by Wilmington Show superstar and Rural Ambassador, Rachel Frick, teams of four will face off in a down-and-dirty, farm-inspired obstacle course. From rolling wool bales and hurling hay to slamming down a cold can of Coopers (or a softie for the under-agers), this action-packed challenge is bound to be a crowd pleaser. The spotlight is on the 18 to 35-year-olds, eager to snag an impressive medallion handcrafted by local talent, Terka Creations.
Rev it up at the Ute Muster
There’s no show without punch and the Ute Muster will have plenty of that! With titles for Best Chick’s Ute, Best Feral, and Best Paddock Basher, there’s a category for every ute lover. If you want to join in but don’t feel like washing up your workhorse, enter it in the Dirtiest Ute category to see who truly has the filthiest ride. And after the judging, every entry gets to take a victory lap (or two) around the oval in the Ute Muster Parade.
Magic, Music, and the Mt Maria Trail
One of Australia’s busiest magicians, Scott Stunz will mesmerise the Wilmington crowd this year, roaming the show to dazzle onlookers with mind-boggling tricks and jaw-dropping illusions.
And the magic doesn’t stop there. Local musical talents will hit the stage and belt out some banging tunes, while the Mt Maria Trail is Wilmington’s answer to the Royal Adelaide Show’s Yellow Brick Road. There’ll be show bags and rides (mechanical and the four-legged kind), face painting and hair braiding, and you can enter your mini-me into the Prince and Princess of the Show competition for a chance to show off their sweetness and win some amazing prizes.
Hooves, Hens, and Homemade Goods
What’s a country show without a bit of equine excellence? The Horses in Action will showcase riders of all ages from the tiniest tots to the most seasoned riders.
There’ll be a chocka-block shed full of chooks and pigeons on parade, local talents will shine with entries in arts and crafts, cooking and preserves, photography and agricultural products. There are categories for everyone to show off their skills and compete for a coveted blue ribbon.
Markets and Mystery Show Bags
With a dozen traders bringing an array of treasures, this year’s Wilmington Show doubles as a market day. There’ll be handmade goods, home-baked treats, arts, crafts and a whole heap more to discover as you wander through the show grounds.
After you’ve worked up a thirst bagging a bargain and enjoying all the fun of the show, you can head to the licensed bar, where they’ll be more than just frothies on offer. You can also get your hands on an Adult Showbag, with who knows what surprises inside 🙈!
Supported by major sponsors Coopers Brewery and Wilmington Rodeo Club plus the efforts of local organisations, the committee of just seven dedicated volunteers will once again pull together the best little show in the Flinders.
Wilmington Show
When: September 15, public Admission from 9.00am
Where: Wilmington Showgrounds, Main North Road
Cost: Adults – $8
Children – $2
Family (4 or more) – $20
For more info, click here
