Emma Pritchard
The 2023 Grafton Show has been declared a success.
With large crowds cheerfully welcomed through the gates, a record number of exhibits on display in The Barn, more than 180 entries in the Farm Produce section, a variety of rides, and plenty of enthusiasm, the annual two-day event brought the Grafton Showground to life last week, with many attendees praising the Grafton Show Society and their dedicated volunteers for their hard work and commitment towards making the local attraction a standout this year.
As he invited special guest, President of the Group 1 Show Society for the North Coast, Terry Serone, to officially open the 2023 Grafton Show on April 29, Grafton Show President Rex Green spoke of his happiness in seeing the popular event successfully regain much of the charisma and energy it possessed prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s been another great show, and we’re already looking forward to hosting it again next year,” he said.
During the official ceremony, Life Memberships were presented to Ray and Helen Donovan, and Paul Fletcher, in recognition of their ongoing support of the Grafton Show, while newly elected Member for Clarence Richie Williamson and Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan congratulated the Grafton Show Society for their outstanding contributions towards making the event a success again in 2023.
Judge John Claydon had an extremely difficult task choosing the overall champion from what he described as “a great line up of cattle” during the traditional Grand Parade in the main arena, before bestowing the honour upon local stud Bizzy Brahmans, who presented a strong number of quality entries.
“It’s a credit to the producers,” he said as he admired the line up.
Layla Lollback was named the supreme champion rider of the 2023 Grafton Show, while back inside the main buildings, Chief Steward of the Pavilion Yvonne Robards and Chief Steward of Farm Produce Ian McGaw revealed they are already looking forward to seeing another record number of entries in the 2024 Grafton Show.