A Brief History of the Coonalpyn & Districts Show Society
1944 to 1988
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The First Coonalpyn Shows - 1944 to 1949
1944: In 1944 a very enthusiastic group of people from the Coonalpyn district
decided that the Coonalpyn area. With its reliable rainfall and varied soil, was
capable of growing produce of a quality worthy of public showing. So in October
of that year (the Coonalpyn Agricultural Bureau held a day of machinery
displaying and pasture inspection. While the local farmers were absorbed with
the task of visiting their respective farms f or the purpose of inspecting
machinery and judging crop quality, their wives gathered together to display
their skills in the form of cooking produce and flower displays. So successful
was this first venture that it became the basis for future Coonalpyn Shows.
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1945: Under the chairmanship of Mr. R. Ware members of the Coonalpyn
Agricultural Bureau decided to form the first Coonalpyn Show committee in order
to continue the tradition of displaying produce and other agricultural items.
The ladies of the Bureau, in particular were enthusiastic about holding
competitions associated with their cooking and craft skills. So, in May of 1945,
the first Coonalpyn Show meeting was held and, as a result, Mr. O. D. Jericho
was elect- ed as the first Coonalpyn Show President, Mr. L. Wait as Secretary
and Miss M. Jericho as Treasurer. Members of the first show committee were
Messrs. M. McIntosh E. R. Peltz R. Ware and G. W. Marshall and Mesd. I. Videon
G. L. Wait, E. Railz, G. Schultz, and Miss M. Jericho.
Under the guidance of this first committee, planning for the Show made great
strides. A date was set for October 20th, 1945, with fourteen display sections
covering the areas of fodder, wool, home produce, cooking and crafts becoming
the nucleus for the Show. Ring activity in the form of horse racing and ring
events, plus sports and athletic competitions were also planned. Held on the
Coonalpyn district sporting oval (now known as the Coonalpyn Show grounds), it
was necessary to hire and erect two marquees in the north-west corner of the
grounds - one to accommodate the indoor displays, and the other for luncheon and
snacks provided by the women of the Coonalpyn Bureau Ladies committee under the
leadership of Mrs. R. Freund. The first Show was a complete success bringing in
a total profit of ?139-14s.
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1946: After this most rewarding beginning, the planning for the next show
flourished with enthusiasm. Under the guidance of the newly elected committee,
consisting of Mr. O. D. Jericho (re-elected President) Mr. V. Mashford
(Secretary) and E. B. Zanker G. W. Marshall, M. F. Board W. R. Ware, R. V.
Potter, W. M. Hays, T. W. Klitscher, J. R. Freund and Mesdames I. Videon E.
Railz and V. H. Mashford a date of October 19th, 1946, was set for the second
official Coonalpyn Show. Extensive discussions took place concerning plans to
expand ground space for future Shows in preparation for an anticipated growth in
the number of display sections. Advertisements were placed into local
publications to encourage attendance to the Show and publicise the fact that the
Coonalpyn District, although considered to be in the 'Ninety-mile Desert' was
capable of producing excellent quality produce worthy of display. Additional
finance was raised through such events as local dances in Mr. O. D. Jericho's
barn and the old Coonalpyn Institute (on the west side of the railway line),
plus card-playing evenings, with a view to the possibility of acquiring
sufficient funds to finance the building of a pavilion in the future. The ring
event?s programme was extended to include further sporting activities, such as
running, football kicking, etc. Mrs. R. Freund again, organised the catering for
the luncheon and snacks. With the help of the ladies associated with the Show.
It was necessary, also, for the 1946 Coonalpyn Show, to hire and erect two
marquees to accommodate the indoor displays and luncheon activity.
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1947: With the third successful official Coonalpyn Show behind them and an
increasing number of indoor displays the committee decided it time to erect a
simple wood-frame iron-clad building. In order to procure the necessary
material, the committee approached the South Australian Farmer's Union (who
handled the buying of local grain), who agreed to lend, for a small fee the
necessary timber and galvanized iron sheeting for erection of a building, 60x20
feet in size two days before the Show. The structure was help together with
simple wire twitches and consisted of a gable-type roof. After the Show it was
dismantled and returned to its source, the S.A.F.L. grain holding site in the
railway yards. With plans for future Shows in mind and the fact that a more
permanent pavilion would eventually have to be built, the Show committee decided
it necessary to acquire Show guarantors. As a result, Messrs. O. D. Jericho, G.
W. Marshall, E. R. Zanker, C. A. Zadow and V. Gaskell volunteered to fulfil
the role of guarantors for the Coonalpyn Show.
The 1947 Coonalpyn Show also saw the first side shows, which particularly for
the children, helped make it an even greater success. In that same year it was
decided to rename the Coonalpyn Show: The Coonalpyn and District Agricultural
and Horticultural Society, so that it could embrace the surrounding areas of
Coomandook in the north and Tintinara in the south. With this increase in area
came new faces eager to assist in the planning of the Show. Such people as
Messrs. Ballard, Presser, Zadow, Weckert, Mills, Gaskell, Vanstone, G. Jericho,
T. J. Marshall, H. Marshall, J. Edmonds-Wilson and others added their expertise
and assistance to even further stabilize the Coonalpyn Show as a permanent
yearly feature of the district's calendar.
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1948: In 1948 it was, again, necessary to erect and dismantle the indoor display
and luncheon building before and after the Show day. However, later in the year
the Society had accumulated sufficient funds to build a more permanent structure
for the indoor displays. As a result, the materials necessary for building a
corrugated iron structure 100x20 feet in size were purchased and the building
duly erected.
Continuing the tradition of previous Coonalpyn Shows, the 1948 Show was, again,
a great success and brought a steady increase in the number of displays and
attendances.
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1949: Another successful Show in 1949 attracted new volunteers willing to
donate their services to the planning and smooth running of the Coonalpyn Show.
These included Messrs. F. Miegel, H. Thamm, H. Dunthorne, L. George, L. Schultz,
M. Tynan and Mrs. G. W. Marshall.
That same year the land on which the Coonalpyn Show had been held (i.e. the
present Coonalpyn Show grounds) was given, in Trust by the Lands Department, to
the Coonalpyn Show Society for as long as it remained a Show Society (that is,
as long as the Show continued on a regular basis). As a result the land area was
tidied and fenced in preparation for future shows. And, in response to an
increasing demand for more space on Show day, the Society applied for, and was
granted by the Lands Department, an additional 20 acres of land south of and
adjoining the present show site. This newly acquired land, being uncleared,
scrub land, was kindly cleared and prepared, free-of-charge, by Mr. C. Hutchins.
However, it did not become necessary to use this land, and it has, as a result,
now been handed back to the Lands Department. Being of stoney soil it was not
suitable for Showgrounds.
The 1949 Coonalpyn Show saw Mrs. F. Miegel elected as head gate-keeper. And for
the ensuring Shows to the present time, the Miegel family tradition has
continued unabated with one or more members of the family (such as Messrs. J.
Miegel or L. Miegel assisted by people such as Mr. B. Gaskell) accepting
responsibility for the task of gate-keeping on Show day. In accordance
with demand and changing trends, as the Show developed, new sections were added
and old sections expanded and improved - often only with the help of donations
and the expertise of the Society's volunteers
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The Period 1950 to 1965
1950: In it's sixth official year of activity, the Society's committee
discussed, at length, the issue of Trustees, seal holder and whether the Show
should become an incorporated body. The issue has since been resolved and the
Show has now become incorporated.
In response to an ever-increasing demand for indoor space and with sufficient
funds in saving, the present Show pavilion building was erected in September,
1950, under the Chairmanship of Mr. O. D. Jericho with help from the elected
committee and volunteers.
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1951: Further fund-raising ventures, such as dances, concerts and a picnic
race-meeting and gymkhanas, held in Mr. O. D. Jericho's paddock in April of
1951, helped secure further funds necessary to finance the having of a wooden
floor in the new pavilion. The picnic race meeting and gymkhana, in particular
were in response to a growing community interest in horse events, and as a
result the race meeting and gymkhana were continued on a regular yearly basis
for some years - providing all-important added funds for the Show Society.
It was also in 1951 that the Coonalpyn Show Society became affiliated with the
Murray Basin Gymkhana Association. Previous to this affiliation, the Coonalpyn
Show Society had given support to the Association since it's inception in 1946.
However, the Coonalpyn Show did not actually become affiliated with it until
1951. This affiliation continued until the early 1980's when the Murray Valley
Gymkhana Association ceased functioning.
A tree-planting programme was also implemented; in particular, young trees were
placed in various positions around the oval. The poultry section proved to be
attracting a large number of exhibitors - unfortunately the Show Society did not
have, at that stage, housing pens for the poultry exhibits. Hence, it was the
responsibility of each exhibitor to supply the necessary pens on Show day. It
was becoming apparent that for reasons of convenience and uniformity, the
Society would have to be gin procuring the necessary funds for purchasing the
pens. By the 1953 Show day the housing pens had been purchased and were in
use.In 1951, sheaf tossing was introduced as a ring event. It continued as an
official event for a further four years, then interest began to wane, bringing
about it's deletion from the Show programme.
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1952: Life memberships were introduced in 1952. For a fee of ?20 per member,
Messrs. G. H. Jericho, O. D. Jericho, Marshall, M. C. McIntosh, C. Todd and C.
A. Zadow, became the Coonalpyn Show Society's first Life Members. General
membership of the Coonalpyn Show, by 1952, had reached forty-eight full members
and thirty half-members. It was also in 1952 that the policy of paying a yearly
salary to the Secretary was implemented. The rate set for the first salary was
?25.
The Show year of 1952 also saw Mr. O. D. Jericho, having been Show President
since 1945; temporarily vacate the chairmanship. He, again, accepted Presidency
in 1956 is remained in office until 1958. Mr. Jericho was a tireless worker and
ardent supporter of the Coonalpyn Show. There is no doubt amongst the Show's
members, past and present, that his contribution to the Society, not only in
terms of his time and expertise, but also the materials he kindly donated for
building projects and the loaning of his machinery when required, have been
significant factors in the development of the Coonalpyn Show. Mr. Jericho's
dedication is typical of the high degree of loyalty expressed by the Show
committee during the early years of the Coonalpyn Show. It is known, for
example, that Mrs. Railz, a Show steward, walked four miles in order to take
part in Show committee meetings, and Mrs. Gaskell, because of the distance from
her home to the Coonalpyn township, would arrive in the town late afternoon to
do her shopping and remain in the town until late evening so that she could
attend the Show meeting. Mr. R. Vanstone was known to drive his horse and sulky
some distance in order to take part in the same meetings Mr. R. Ware, with great
effort and determination would duly attend each meeting by means of horse and
cart.
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1953-1960: this period of Show history brought the introduction of a 'Show
Dance'. It was held during the evening of the Show day in the Coonalpyn
Institute, and proved highly successful, bringing in extra funds for the
Society.
In 1959, a programme was implemented to improve the Show arena. The Society's
members, with the use of their tipping trucks, spread tons of soil over the
arena. it was then level- led and Wimmera rye grass and clover, kindly donated
by the Society's members, planted over the area.
It was also in 1959 that a cropping programme was implemented in order to
procure extra funds for the Society. Sections of vacant Coonalpyn Progress
Association land located around the Coonalpyn Township was, with the
Association?s approval, planted with grain. The resulting sale of harvested
grain provided, for many years, much needed finance for the Show Society.
During the years between 1945 and 1966 the catering for the Coonalpyn Show was
organised via the expertise of the Show Society's ladies with food donated by
the public. Food was available to patrons in the form of a luncheon or snacks
for a minimal charge which served to add to the Society's monetary funds. In
later Show years the Coonalpyn Lions organisation catered for the luncheons and
snacks.
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1961: The high number of wool, grain and fodder exhibitors made it necessary to
find an alternative display area. So in 1961, a separate grain, fodder and wool
building was erected with the help of donations from the Society's membership.
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1962: More buildings were erected during 1962. These included a new toilet block
and then a luncheon and catering building. During the same year new poultry pens
were constructed. Marching girls were included as an added attraction to the
ring programme.
The period of the 1960's saw great advancements in the development of the
Coonalpyn Show. Besides an extensive building programme (as just mentioned) the
Society reached it?s peak in the number of displays and attendances. The
machinery stands, in particular (under the capable leadership of Mr. N. March),
were filled to capacity on Show day. The Coonalpyn district had certainly proven
its farming potential, and as a result, was producing profitable returns which
were reflected in the number and quality of exhibits at the local Show.
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1963: During 1963 the sheep section was extensively upgrading, including the
construction of a judging shed. Most of the materials required for this task and
the work involved were kindly donated by the stewards.
All sections of display in the Show (whether it be outdoor or indoor displays
were periodically improved and extended, as required, over the years - more
often than not only with the kind donations of time, material and money from the
stewards and general members. It is impossible to give due mention to all these
people - however some of the very staunch supporters include people of the G. H.
Jericho, Johnson, Keller, Roberts, Miegel, March, Marshall, Reddaway, Dempsey,
Videon, Strong, Gadkear, Morton. Zadow, Klitscher, Thamm, Schilling, Birkin, and
Cattle families, plus people such as Mrs. Y. Lacey and Mrs. M. Jericho. On
reading through the many accumulated pages of minutes from past Show meetings it
is these names which seem to receive the greatest recognition. It is this
precise dedication, loyalty, enthusiasm and unabated generosity which has
ensured the continuation of the Coonalpyn Show over it's commendable 44 years of
activity.
The Coonalpyn Show of 1963 saw the commencement of the goat section, and initial
reports reflect an enthusiastic response from exhibitors.
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1964: In 1964 the Secretary's office was attached (as a cost of ?25) to the
southern end of the pavilion, and a ?20 donation from the Coonalpyn Hotel
ensured improvements to the publican?s booth were completed.
The 20th Coonalpyn Show of 1964 will remain a year to remember in the minds of
Show supporters. His Excellency, Sir Eric Bastyan, Governor of South Australia,
officially opened the Show on October 17th, 1964. The official party on that
particular day included: Mr. H. I. Marshall (President), Mrs. Marshall, Mr. W.
Nankivell (M.P.), Mrs. Nankivell, Mrs. J. Kilsby (Secretary), Mr. & Mrs. O. D.
Jericho, Mr. & Mrs. G. W. Marshall, Mr. W. Jacobs and Mr. C. A. Zadow. With a
record crowd attending and Show entries reaching a peak of 1,988 exhibits, much
of the credit for the success of the day must go to the hard-working members of
the Society. The day ended with a special Show Dance and Association Ball with a
professional band providing the music.
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1965: As the years continued the Coonalpyn Show went from success to success.
Under the guidance and assistance of Messrs. N. Davis and K. Lutze the pig
section was established and commenced in 1965. Mr. N. Davis later became
President of the Coonalpyn Show. His lengthy experience in showing stock proved
a great asset to the Show. Improvements were also made to the cattle section.
For the indoor displays, the photographic section was commenced in 1965 and
proved very successful during its initial stages. More shelves and display
cabinets were installed to accommodate the ever- increasing cooking, produce and
craft sections. The Show Dance continued to be held during the evening of the
Show, and proved an apt celebratory ending to a successful Show day.
In 1965 Mr. H. Marshall, who had held the Presidency for seven years, vacated
his position in the view that his wife, Mrs. B. Marshall, having just accepted
the Show's Secretarial position, would give sufficient contribution from the
Marshall family. Mr. Marshall, in the footsteps of his father, Mr. G. W.
Marshall, was an ardent supporter of the Coonalpyn Show. Mr. G. H. Jericho then
became President, a position he held from 1966 to 1975. Mr. Jericho, as
President and Mrs. B. Marshall as Secretary, remained in this partnership for
some eight years, providing a sound working basis for the Show.
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The Period - 1966 to 1988
1966: Another tree planting programme in 1966 saw fifteen new trees added to
the showground environment.
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1967-1968: The photographic sections were proving to be very popular with over
300 entries in the 1967 Show. Consequently more display units were purchased to
meet growing demand. Much of the credit for the organisation of the photographic
displays must go to Messrs. J. Mitchell and D. Elliott who since 1965 had taken
responsibility for overseeing its development.
Mr. and Mrs. H. I. Marshall continued to work tirelessly in support of the
Coonalpyn Show. In 1967 it was decided to give both Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Life
Memberships in lieu of the usual yearly secretary's fee.
Rainwater was required for Show day in the luncheon building, so a rainwater
tank was purchased and erected alongside the building.
It was also in 1967 that the local Boy Scout Movement under the leadership of
Messrs. Mole and Hughes, were given access to the pavilion for meetings.
Considering the building was used only once or twice a year by the Show Society,
the committee felt it reasonable to allow a community group, such as the scouts,
to make use of the facility.
The Farm Gadget section was commenced in 1967. Initial reports indicate that it
was a popular addition to the Show's display sections.
As new families moved into the Coonalpyn district and others departed, the Show
Society witnessed a continual flow of volunteers. Past volunteers, such as
people of the Mitchell, Mader, Mole and Pannel families, on leaving the district
and having given freely their expertise and time, were sadly fare welled and
thanked for their contribution. People of, for example, the Mockett, Heinrich,
Leske and Dewhurst families, added new enthusiasm to the Show to further its
development.
The Show Dance continued to be held on the evening after the Show, and became a
major attraction for the younger people of the district.
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1969: A new building programme saw the erection if the Machinery Museum and
extensions to the Pig section which, since it?s inception in 1965, had proved highly successful and a worthwhile addition
to the Show's programme. For the Machinery Museum, this also, proved to be an
excellent addition to the Show Mr. N. March was give the task of planning and
directing the building of the Museum, and he managed to secure some very
interesting items of vintage machinery for display. On Show day it proved to be
quite an attraction and topic of conversation.
In 1969 the district celebrated its 25th Coonalpyn Show, and to commemorate
this, fifteen young trees were planted around the south side of the main arena
by the Coonalpyn Women's Agricultural Bureau. A special 25th Anniversary Ball
was also held on the evening of the Show, and proved an apt celebratory event.
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1970: Olympic Jumping was incorporated into the ring programme from 1970. The
Horses-in-Action programme of the Coonalpyn Show is regarded, be Equestrian
representatives, as one of the best. Credit must be given to the hardworking
stewards and helpers of this section, for example the family of Mr. Robert Klitscher, Mr. J. Murray, Diane Murray, the Cowling and Marshall families, Mr.
D. Edmonds-Wilson, the Reichstein, Goodall, Hodge, Arnold and Jacobs families -
not to mention all the generous helpers who have given assistance on each Show
day.
It was also in 1970 that a new toilet block was erected in place of the old
block which had fallen into disrepair since it's erection in 1962.
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1971: Another new section, this time tractor driving was added to the Show's
programme.
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1972: This particular year brought to new sections - the Goat section and a Pet
section. The children, in particular, have delighted in the opportunity to
display their cherished pets on Show day - and even better if a prize was won.
More vintage machinery was becoming available for the Machinery Museum - a very
popular attraction - so in order to meet this demand the building was extended.
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1973-1975: Wood chopping was introduced during this period. However, lack of
interest in the 'art' of handling an axe, dictated that it be discontinued
(Comment by one Show member ?Mum does our wood-chopping!?) The publican's booth
was also improved during this 1973 to 1975 period.
It was in 1974 that Mrs. B. Marshall, the longest-serving Show Secretary,
resigned her position. She had dutifully served the Coonalpyn Show for a total
of ten years and contributed much to the ongoing development of the Show.
In August, 1975, the Show Society lost it's longest serving President due to the
death of Mr. G. H. Jericho. Mr. Jericho had worked tirelessly for the Show since
its inception, and his loss was deeply felt. He was always willing to help with
any project requiring assistance and his ready smile and words of encouragement
were well known and appreciated by everyone.
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1976-1980: A 'Miss Showgirl' contest was introduced in 1976. The district's
young ladies were judged, according to age group, by an invited guest, usually a
public figure or television personality. The contest was in conjunction with
other local Shows with the aim of awarding one lucky young lady with the status
of Miss Showgirl for South Australia in the final state judging. It proved quite
successful during its four years of activity.
By 1976, Show activity was still on the increase, with a total of 24 exhibitor
sections and 71 stewards and assistants ensuring smooth operation. Compared with
the 1945 figures of 15 sections and 29 stewards, the Coonalpyn Show certainly
had advanced significantly in that 30 or so years of development. It also
depicts the community's enthusiasm and support for their local Show as a prime
country event and opportunity to display their agricultural achievements.
Although not all mentioned in this small booklet, the years of Show development
have brought continual minor expansions of all sections, whether old or new, in
accordance with the increasing number of exhibits.
Also in 1976, shearing competitions were included as a Show attraction and
proved an ideal opportunity for the young men of the district to display their
sheep-shearing skills.
Coonalpyn Shows of this period (1976-1980) saw the Showgrounds extended to its
limits with the machinery stands filled to capacity - reflecting the very
profitable status of farming at that time.
The various Show Secretaries also deserve special mention. Although they were
always praised appropriately for their commitment to the Show, their job
deserved far greater reward. Often the allocated Secretary's fee was not
sufficient to even cover the basic costs incurred during the year's work.
Perhaps knowing that they were contributing to the development of not only the
Coonalpyn Show, but the Coonalpyn district as a whole, gave enough satisfaction
- particularly as the Show has continued to gather strength and support as the
year have progressed.
New volunteers continued to appear over the years to offer their assistance, as
well as contributing fresh ideas. People such as of the Casanova, Lewis, Short,
Ware, Hermann families and many others, all kindly offered their services to the
Coonalpyn Show.
The Show Dance, in accordance with changing trends, took on a new format - being
presented as a more casual Cabaret than a formal dance.
By 1980 the poultry, sheep, wool, grain and fodder sections, plus the indoor
displays were all reporting significant in- creases in the number of entries.
Gate attendances had also displayed a steady increase over the years.
Considering that some sceptics in the past had predicted an eventual decline in
support and attendance of the Show, it would seem that recent reports have
reflected just the opposite.
Mention had also been made, during this period of Show development, of moving
the day's events to the Coonalpyn Soldier's Memorial Grounds (Coonalpyn Oval).
However, the Show committee decided that in recognition of the contribution of
past Show pioneers, who acquired the land, planned it's layout, erected
buildings, etc., etc., the annual Coonalpyn Show should remain on it's familiar
Showgrounds.
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1981-1985: In 1983 after many years if loyal contribution to the Coonalpyn Show,
four of which were in the position of President, Mr. J. Miegel ended service to
the Show due to his death. His contribution will long be remembered as one of
great significance to the Show's development. The Miegel family has always been
ardent supporters of the Coonalpyn Show, with Mr. P. Miegel being elected Show
President in 1986.
During the early 1980's the Coonalpyn Show Society became affiliated with the
Southern Shows Association.
In 1982 more trees were planted to, again, enhance the Showground environment.
The year of 1984 the 40th Coonalpyn Show, saw more new sections including an
Antique Machinery display and sheep dog trials. Due to inclement weather - a
common problem on some Coonalpyn Show days, particularly during October (the
usual month for the Coonalpyn Show) - the sheep shearing section was
discontinued.
It was also in 1984 that Mrs. J. G. Klitscher, after seven years of dedicated
service to the Show in the position of' Secretary, vacated that position. Mrs.
N. P. Klitscher then accepted Secretarial duties. Mrs. J. G. Kalischer's long
commitment as Secretary will always be appreciated by the Show members.
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1986: In 1986 South Australia celebrated its 150th Jubilee. In recognition of
this significant state event the Coonalpyn Show presented specially engraved
medallions and prize ribbons, printed in recognition of the Jubilee year to Show
competitors. A Jubilee plaque was also specially engraved and presented.
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1987-1988: With the old Pavilion structure beginning to reach the end of its
service, the next building project for the Show Society is a new, and larger,
pavilion. A fund has been established to create the necessary finance to erect a
structure to accommodate the every-increasing exhibits.
It is to the credit of the Show's fore-fathers who, some thirty years earlier
had drawn up a plan for the Showgounds and pavilion to meet the growing needs of
the Show for years to come, have judged, to perfection, those needs. Now, in
1988, with the total allocated Showground area in use, the full potential of
that plan is realised. It is only unfortunate that those early Coonalpyn Show
pioneers are not able to fully appreciate their wisdom and foresight.
The number of names that have passed through the Show record books amount to
hundreds. Many of those names have appeared in every year of Show activity as
each generation of that family has volunteered to continue the family tradition
of service to the show to this very day.
As historian of this Show Society project to publish a book- let about the
progress of the Show a few names warrant re-mentioning, particularly because of
their lengthy service to the Show. Mr. O. D. Jericho who served as President for
nine years, Mr. H. L. Marshall for seven years, Mr. G. H. Jericho for ten years,
and as Secretary, Mrs. B. Marshall for ten years, Mrs. Seelander for five years
and Mrs. J. G. Klitscher for seven years - all gave, to the Society, well beyond
the call of duty.
And for those people who willingly volunteered their services over the many
years of Show activity, and perhaps by oversight were not mentioned in this
booklet, they, too, are not forgotten.
For a small, and sometimes struggling, community the Coonalpyn district has most
certainly excelled in proving it's ability to work together toward a common
goal. We should all feel very proud of our achievement particularly the many
Show Presidents and Secretaries over the years and the extraordinary back up
they received from their committees and stewards. It is this dedication which
has made the Coonalpyn and District Show such a special event to the local
community.
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