Northampton show mixing mullets and merriment

After the town was battered by cyclone Seroja earlier this year, Northampton has pulled together for another running of the region’s oldest show.

The showgrounds will be two buildings down this year, with the exhibition hall and the stockbreeders shed too badly damaged to repair. While the debris has been cleared away, show secretary Marieke Jansen said this year would be a challenge.

“We had to put together a show not knowing what infrastructure we would have,” she said.

One way the show is helping the recovery is to make all rides free. Ms Jansen said many carnival operators suffered damage to their equipment, and insurance premiums had risen as a result of the cyclone. The show committee offering upfront payment ensures a profitable day for vendors, and plenty of fun for the kids.

“Because we didn’t have a show last year, we thought the kids should have a good show this year,” she said.

“It makes it worthwhile for operators of the smaller rides.”

One of the mane events of Saturday’s show is sure to be the inaugural mullet competition. Even Premier Mark McGowan threw his weight behind it in a video released two weeks ago. There are prizes to be won in three categories — mane mullet, mini mullet and people’s choice.

The competition was inspired by Black Dog Institute’s Mullets for Mental Health campaign. So far they’ve had 25 entries, with the youngest just one year old, and the oldest nearly 60.

Following the traffic jam to get into last weekend’s Chapman Valley Show, organisers in Northampton are expecting a more humble turnout, and hopefully calmer traffic.

“For people who didn’t want to line up for Chapman Valley, this is the show for you,” Ms Jansen said.