Northampton show a success in the face of Seroja

It was a kids’ day out at the 103rd Northampton Show, with free rides and attractions proving a hit all day.

The community was one of the worst affected by cyclone Seroja, and the showgrounds were no exception.

The main exhibition hall was reduced to rubble, and the stockbreeders’ shed was damaged beyond repair — not that show-goers would have noticed, with organisers and the Northampton Shire putting a huge effort into cleaning up.

The Northampton District Agricultural Society extended the relief effort to attraction and ride owners, who had suffered damage to their equipment and a raise in insurance premiums following the storm. Operators were offered an upfront payment to attend the show, meaning rides were free for children, and their owners were guaranteed a lucrative day.

The main — or mane, if you prefer — event was of course the first annual Mid West Mullet Muster. Nine of the region’s finest strutted their stuff for the packed community centre crowd.

After some robust deliberation between the judges, 50-year-old Warren went home with the grand prize — a block of red cans.

Not to be overshadowed was the mini mullet contest, in which a dozen youngsters arguably outdid the adults. Judges split the title of best mini mullet between 12-year-old twins Zaimon and Javier Sackmat. While they had to share the prize pack, there was enough pride from dad, and fellow mullet contestant Johan, to go around.