About Us/History

"Should a rose ever bloom, it shall do so in the Ninety Mile Desert"
Mr M.P. MacIntosh.  Quote during the Show opening, 1946

A Brief History of the Coonalpyn & Dist Show Society (Webpage) or download (PDF)

The Coonalpyn Show was started in the early 1940's by a group of enthusiastic locals after it was decided the area's soil and good rainfall were good enough to showcase the local produce and pastures.  Now in its 62nd year (2006), the Coonalpyn show goes from strength to strength in providing a renowned event.

Coonalpyn a small country town with a population of about 215, situated along what used to be known as the Ninety Mile Desert. Wheat, barley, canola, beans and peas are the main crops grown in the area, and also sheep and cattle. During the early 1950's, superphosphates and trace elements were introduced into the soil, creating the ability to use the land for cropping to its full potential.