Stage set for spectacular weekend as 155th Annual Penola Show comes along

Jake Lowe, Kerry Degardis And Young Ambassadorweb TBW Newsgroup
2019 AMBASSADORS: Penola's Rural Ambassador Jake Lowe stands with Penola PA&H Society president Kerry DeGaris and Young Rural Ambassador Jess Eastward.

Jake Lowe, Kerry Degardis And Young Ambassadorweb TBW Newsgroup
2019 AMBASSADORS: Penola’s Rural Ambassador Jake Lowe stands with Penola PA&H Society president Kerry DeGaris and Young Rural Ambassador Jess Eastward.

FABULOUS entertainment, spectacular sights and true country authenticity will take over Penola this weekend when the Pastoral Agricultural and Horticultural Show returns for its 155th year.

The two-day event promises many of the popular, traditional attractions as well as some exciting new additions.

Despite the potential for inclement weather, crowds are expected to be strong when the showground gates swing open on Friday.

The night sky will light up with the annual fireworks on Friday evening and will be followed by rock band 4 Wild playing into the evening.

However celebrations have already started in Penola, with a flower workshop held today Wednesday in conjunction with the show.

The rose workshop is hosted by previous Penola Show judge and exhibitor George Thompson and aims to help people who do not usually enter the show’s flower competition gain confidence for next year’s event.

The free workshop comes as records break for this year’s show competition entries with the Bloke’s Chocolate Cake competition gaining more traction than last year.

Show society secretary Kathy Fennell entries for all indoor exhibits were steady, but the group expected to receive an influx of entries ahead of today’s deadline.

“We are on track to have more entries than last year,” she said.

“The new women’s garden decoration competition has been a significant hit and has gained a lot of attention from the wider community.

“We are so happy this competition has come to the show this year as we do believe it will gain a lot of attention from those who are coming to the show on the weekend.”

Ms Fennell praised the involvement of schools in this year’s event and said schools from Nangwarry, Kalangadoo and Penola would have their own display in the stadium.

“We have also received a great response to the junior judging which will be held on the Friday,” she said.

The winner of the annual Penola garden of the year will also be announced over the weekend.