The 177th Kiama Show, one of the oldest in the nation and the fifth oldest in NSW, kicks off today after thousands of hours of work behind the scenes from community volunteers.

“Everyone has been doing long days in the week leading up to the show to make sure everything runs smoothly,” says Kiama Show Society president Guy Stearn. “Thousands of hours of unpaid work goes into setting up agricultural shows and everyone who is a part of it is so passionate and should be congratulated.

Motorcycling at the 2024 Kiama Show. Source: Brian Scott.

The Kiama Show will feature 1700 pavilion categories and competitions in beef and dairy cattle, horses, showjumping, woodchopping and the always popular pet show. But one of the things Mr Stearn is most proud of is the Local and Homegrown Hub, a space where the community can connect and engage with local farmers and local businesses.

“The Homegrown Hub educates visitors on various elements of local agricultural and horticultural activities and their connected products,” says Mr Stearn. 

“For many it’s the first experience they have of a working farm. A couple of great examples are Pines Dairy, recently hosting Regenerative Farming workshops giving people a better understanding of an agricultural practice leading to the production of cheese and gelato and Butchers Nook and their agricultural connections leading to high quality meat.”

The future of woodchopping at the Kiama Show 2024. Source: Brian Scott.

If this sounds like a step back in time it is, honouring not only the farming practices used by Kiama’s early settlers but also the ethos behind agricultural shows.

The first Kiama Agricultural Show was held 1849 in the Fitzroy Inn brewery in Collins Street, a building long enough to display the produce grown by local farmers. There were just 18 houses, two stores, two inns, a church and a jetty in the township and the Agricultural Show was a way to connect the community so farmers could workshop better ways to farm the newly settled land. 

Each year - except for those between 1858 and 1867 due to a cattle disease - local farmers proudly displayed their crops and produce, which included vineyard grapes cheese, ham, bacon, and of course the giant vegetables, which have become a show society stalwart. 

“We are so excited to be able to connect and engage the community with agriculture,” says Mr Stearn. 

Show jumping at the Kiama Show 2024. Source: Brian Scott.

Kiama is one of 580 agricultural shows held nationwide. 

Upcoming nearby Agricultural Shows include Berry Show, from January 31 to February 1; Nowra Show on February 7-8; Kangaroo Valley Show on February 14-15, Goulburn Show March 1-2, Milton Show March 7-9, Robertson Show March 14-15 with Dapto Show on September 25.