Perfect weather after some heavy rain over the days prior, meant Cobargo’s 2019 Show attracted good crowds across two very busy days of events, many focusing on getting young people along to help and compete.
While the show itself did not officially open until Saturday, February 9, a campdraft held at the showground on the eve of the two-day event attracted 92 entrants for the competition, and a large crowd to watch proceedings.
According to show society vice-president June Tarlinton, all things to do with horses were up this year.
“We’ve had excellent numbers across a wide range of classes, from heavy horses to show jumping,” she said.
“The Australian stock horse classes have been especially popular – well up on last year in numbers and quality.
“It’s really rewarding to see that happen.”
To be expected in a dairy region, the cheese competition was also a great crowd-pleaser and each year seems to attract new cheese makers using the best local raw materials to make fine cheeses of many varieties.
Judge Alfred Oesch from Bega Cheese, described this year’s winner as exceptional.
“It’s as close to perfect as you could get,” he said in his comments to the audience.
“The balance of this cheese is spot on, just enough salt, the right texture, a rich, strong, but not overwhelming flavour. A real beauty!”
Although unable to attend the judging, Christine Pullen of Tarraganda, maker of the winning cheese, was also named Most Successful Exhibitor.
Around the grounds, a mini rodeo and a farm obstacle course were just two of the attractions for youngsters, as well as a water balloon tossing challenge and an animal nursery.
Chainsaw racing and log splitting joined traditional animal judging of dairy and beef cattle and poultry over the weekend, with novelty events like quad bike soccer and the odd spot of wife carrying also proved great entertainment.
A great show, Cobargo!!
