Words: Laura Dare - courtesy Coast Lines Magazine

As spring arrives on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, communities are gearing up for one of the region's most beloved traditions – the annual country shows. These events, steeped in history and brimming with local pride, offer a fun family day out, as well as an authentic rural South Australian experience.

"There’s really something about being involved in something that's 140 years old," says Ian Main, Vice President of the Yankalilla, Rapid Bay & Myponga Agricultural & Horticultural Society. "Nobody knows how our show happens. It's been running for so long that people come and go, but the Yankalilla Show just continues on in its own sort of form."

This sentiment is echoed across the Fleurieu and on KI, where shows in Kingscote, Parndana, Port Elliot, Strathalbyn and Yankalilla have become integral parts of the community calendar. Nic Tremaine, President of the Parndana Show Society and curator of the SA Country Shows website, says it's great for local communities to have this sort of social event once a year where people can get together and mingle and talk about current affairs."

For Nic, the Parndana show is a family tradition: “I remember going as a child, and my grandfather was on the original committee when they started the show in 1957. Then my parents got involved, and now I'm involved.”

Despite how much fun they are, the importance of these shows extends far beyond mere entertainment. They serve as a vital link between urban and rural communities, offering city dwellers a chance to connect with their food sources. "Sometimes when you ask someone, 'Where does milk come from?' and they say, 'From the fridge,' it's a funny answer, but it's understandable when someone grows up in the city their whole life," Nic says.

Country shows provide an opportunity to bridge this knowledge gap. Ian remembers a father showing his kids a sheep and explaining that this animal was where their jumpers came from.

For the local community, the shows are a collective effort that everyone helps out with. "We get a lot of people volunteering to help out for the day or throughout the year with jobs that we need done," Ian says. This community spirit is the lifeblood of these events, with countless hours dedicated to ensuring their success.

The competitions at these shows are as diverse as the communities they represent. From traditional agricultural displays to more modern contests, there's something for everyone. "We've got amazing horse competitions, and there's a shearing competition at our show, which is usually quite entertaining for people to watch," Nic says. The Parndana show also boasts a unique "sheaf tossing" competition, where participants use pitchforks to throw bags of sand as high as they can, mimicking an old farming practice.

Over the years, the shows have evolved to include attractions that appeal to a wider audience. The Yankalilla show will feature Fleurieu Marine Education, offering hands-on activities to explore the marine world. "Jam the Unicycling Juggler" and a climbing wall are also set to entertain visitors.

Meanwhile, the Parndana show has introduced BMX racing, which has grown to include all age groups. "The dads would steal the kids' bikes and have a go on the track after the children’s competition ended, so they’ve got a competition of their own now. Then last year we thought, 'Oh, well, if the dads are having a go, let's give the mums a chance too,'" Nic says. There’s also whip cracking, a new addition this year to provide "a bit of fun entertainment".

These shows also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting local industries. The Yankalilla show has recently reintroduced beef and dairy cattle competitions after a decade-long hiatus, thanks to the efforts of a young committee member. "We've got some young people on the committee now, and we've restarted doing beef and dairy cattle that had dropped off for about 10 years," Ian says.

Across South Australia, there's a strong focus on engaging young participants to continue the country show tradition. Nic says that the Parndana show is a great way to encourage young people to connect with their community – and return to it after leaving for their tertiary education on the mainland.

For many, these shows are a highlight of the social calendar. Both Nic and Ian point out that most social events in country towns revolve around football or other sports, while the show is a place where everyone can get involved, no matter what they’re skilled in. "It includes everybody in the district. No one is excluded," as Nic puts it.

Country shows on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island offer a wide array of competitions that cater to all ages and interests, fostering community engagement and showcasing local talents. As well as the sheep and livestock, the shows all feature extensive arts and crafts sections. "The amount of work that goes on in our main hall, with all the displays, the craft and the photography section, just gets bigger every year," says Ian. These competitions allow both adults and children to showcase their creativity.

“The younger kids love coming out with their art and showing their parents what they've done at school or their cooking and those sort of things,” Nic says. “They also love bringing their pet for those competitions. I think one year we even had a stick insect come in as an unusual pet"

Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced cancellations, these shows have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Post-pandemic, attendance has rebounded strongly. "Since COVID, I think a lot of the show's numbers have really bounced back, back to averages and beyond what they did before," Nic says.

From the Yankalilla show's Spanish horse performances to Parndana's Ligurian honey competition, each event promises a unique experience. These shows are more than just annual events; they are a celebration of community, a showcase of local talent, and a bridge between past and present. Whether you're a long-time local or a curious city dweller, these country shows offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of rural life.

But don’t worry – as well as the farm animals and tractors, there are lots of rides, sideshows and showbags on offer at each country show for that total show experience! So mark your calendars, gather your family, and prepare to be part of a tradition that continues to shape and define the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Upcoming shows are being held at Strathalbyn on 7 October, Port Elliot Show on 12-13 October, Yankalilla on 5 October, Kingscote on 2 November and Parndana on 16 November.

Show details here