THE 163rd Gawler Show was officially launched on Thursday night at Nixon’s Function Centre, where it was revealed the return of the grand parade will headline this year’s event in August.
Gawler Show secretary Kate Cowell announced a variety of new items to occur this year, including an over-18 event to be held on the Friday night.
“It’s called ‘Secret Show Business’, it’ll be a three-hour drink, food and live entertainment package,” she said.
“That’s something we’re excited about.
“We’re trying to bring some fresh ideas into the show so it’s not just the same old things happening all the time.
“One of the other things we’re doing is bringing back the grand parade.
“We’re going to be holding the grand parade on the Sunday at 1.30pm, we’re very excited to bring that back and involve our schools, kids and tractors.
“We’re also looking at other ways to generate some income; for us our major income is gate takings.”
One of the show’s big attractions each year has been its competitions, and a new one has been added in 2019 that will be of interest to reptile lovers.
“There’s a new snake and lizard competition this year, they’ll be judged on Friday and the top five will be showcased over the weekend,” Ms Cowell said.
“There’s a blacksmith competition as well.
“We also have some cooking demonstrations and we’ve managed to get Callum Hann back this year.
“We’re going to bring in a thing called ‘touch a truck’, other councils have run it as a day experience and it’s been very successful.
“It’s just about getting kids involved with trucks, we’re working really hard to get that up and running.”
The show has also added a two-day pass, which allows show-goers to attend both on Saturday and Sunday for $25.
“It’s hoping to help those who need to duck out due to sport, they can come back the next day,” Ms Cowell said.
A number of Outstanding Service certificates were also handed out on the night to Nic and Marcene Tesselaar, Angela Nemeth, Gudrun Hanke, Josie Ireland, Helen Hennessey, Robyn Hughes, Lauren Jakeway and Leanne Bruggerman for their involvement with the show.