The gates opened at the Armidale Showground on Friday morning, but the show’s official Grand Opening is on Friday evening at 6.30 pm, followed by the Rough Stock Rodeo in the main arena.  There’s a horse ball, a ute show (complete with barrel race), a demolition derby, and a fireworks display on Saturday.

The kids can whirl in gravity-defying machines, try their luck at one of the sideshow games (and even win an Xbox console), buy showbags, slip down the rainbow slides, or get lost in the Jungle House with its maze and ballpit.

For the adults, there are displays of farming produce, handicrafts, and antique machinery, including 1880s steam engines and an 1840s corn sheller, possibly the only one in the world.  Those who are strong enough can even pull a tractor.

Related stories:

Animal lovers are well catered for, with beef parades, stockhorse and cattle judging, and horse riding and showjumping. 

Young and young at heart alike will enjoy the animal nursery.  "A lot of times it's their first interaction with a lot of the different farm animals," says owner Rod Lock, "it's a nice little place where they can get in, play with the animals, and learn.”

Food lovers are well catered for, with everything from hot dogs, fairy floss, and waffles – “everybody’s favorites,” says seller Natalie Brown – to Turkish gözleme and local gourmet cheese and meat.

For more information, see www.armidaleshow.org.au.