Our History

2019 – OUR 141 st SHOW

The first show was held at Middleton in 1869 and shows were run at various venues along the South Coast for the next twenty years. In 1889 the Society purchased a plot of land near Port Elliot and with the exception of the 2nd World War and several other years, specifically when most of the show grounds were destroyed due to very severe fires in the area and/or flooding, annual shows have been held there ever since.

Approximately fifteen years ago the Society started negotiating with the Education Department who were seeking a new site for the Port Elliot Primary School. Boundaries were altered and the Society was able to build new replacement buildings and services, so that the show ground is now an attractive, thriving area.

Our traditional agricultural show provides a show case for rural activity in our area, giving the local agriculturalists a chance to meet and exchange views, as well as giving our rapidly expanding suburban residents a place to learn about local agriculture and have a wonderful family day out. At each annual show the Society likes to provide live entertainment performed by local school groups, bands and choirs.

In 2018 attendance at the show was approximately 10,000 and each year we produce a show book with approximately 9,500 copies distributed by our local paper “The Times”.

Activities at the 2019 show will again include a day of Horses in Action with Show Horse, Show Jumping and Encourage rings (Sunday), Beef Cattle, Fleece Wool, Poultry, Sheep, and a Ute Muster. Indoor sections will include Art, Cake Decorating, Cookery, Crafts/Lego, Floral Art, Flowers, Home Produce, Needlework, Photography, Scarecrows and Woodwork. At the planning stage at the moment and new to the show this year may be a “Mutt” Show which will be held on the Saturday. Keep tuned for further information on that!

Again, around the grounds we anticipate both days having non-stop entertainment including vocalists, choirs, concert bands, circus entertainers, trade stalls showcasing a myriad of products, food vans to suit every taste, and the Southern Fleurieu Historical Museum with its wonderful display of farm machinery and memorabilia from years gone by.

The Society volunteers will again be working tirelessly to ensure that the 2019 show is the biggest and best of all. A very big “Thank You” to all of our volunteers who helped so ably in 2018. We look forward to working with you again in 2019.

Interested in volunteering? Please see the News Section re Volunteers’ Needed.