Charlton Show – a Cracking Good Time!

From motorbike stunts to sheep dog trials, the 2026 Charlton Show offered entertainment for all ages, as crowds flocked to the showgrounds on Saturday in perfect weather.

Now in its 143rd year, the Charlton Agricultural and Pastoral Society’s annual show had something for everyone, with Charlton Park bustling with families throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Show president, Billy Fitzpatrick, thanked the sponsors, volunteers and committee members who helped bring the event together, before Charlton Citizen of the Year Bill Freeman officially opened the show.

Billy said the show remained an important part of the community and was proud to see people continue to get behind the long-running event.

“I think it means everything to the community,” Billy said. “It’s been going for 143 years and people just love it and get behind it.

“It’s very easy to let it go. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”

With close to 500 competition classes, the show gave local exhibitors plenty of opportunities to showcase their talents. From cooking and knitting to photography and artwork, the pavilion celebrated the creativity and skills of people across the district.

“People just love to come and look at their arts and craft; the pavilion was a big hit,” Billy said. “People have come to see their kids and grandkids and all the stuff they’ve put in over the years.”

The Miss and Master Showgirl and Showboy competitions recognised young participants across five age categories. Winners included Pearl Sanderson and Carter Johnson in the 0-2 age groups, Ivy Sexton and Regie Bourke in the 3-5 categories, Maisy Dawson in the 6-8 category, Lenny Donnan in the 9-12 category and Lila Schofield in the 13-and-over category.

Beyond the competition entries, visitors browsed displays of home-grown produce, floral arrangements and handmade crafts. From judging the best lemon to admiring prize-winning roses and homemade jams, there was plenty to explore.

Outside, Eljay Freestyle Entertainment drew crowds with high-energy motorbike and bicycle stunts, providing one of the day’s major attractions.

Agriculture remained at the heart of the show, with sheep, fleece and pony competitions showcasing the work of local exhibitors. The preparation involved in presenting the animals was evident throughout the competitions.

Gardeners also had the chance to put their skills to the test in the biggest weed competition, giving competitors an incentive to finally pull that stubborn weed from the garden.

The sheep dog trials, held in memory of the late Joe Thompson, once again provided plenty of entertainment. While most handlers kept their flocks moving smoothly, a few stray sheep added to the challenge, prompting plenty of banter from spectators on the sidelines.

Joel Donnan and his dog Sue won this year’s dog trials, with Zac Johnston finishing runner-up with Rose.

A new addition to this year’s program was the truck pull, which saw participants test their physical strength by attempting to pull one of the Fitzpatrick family’s giant trucks, earning bragging rights along the way. Four teams of men and four teams of women entered with 10 people in each team. The demonstration was so popular, organisers are considering making it a competitive event next year.

Inside, local schoolchildren had their own chance to shine, with a dedicated room displaying kindergarten and primary school artwork. Young artists could check whether their work had earned a ribbon, while proud parents admired their children’s creations.

Boort musician Elias Lanyon entertained the crowd with vocals and guitar, as families and friends caught up over a cold drink from Lake Meran Brewery.
Food stalls offered plenty of options, from show favourites such as chip on a stick, hot jam doughnuts and baked potatoes to paella and the ever-popular dumplings.

Sideshow Alley kept visitors entertained with dodgem cars, water bubble balls, a jumping castle and teapot rides. No country show would be complete without a stop at the showbag tent, where younger visitors could pick up a few goodies.
Billy said he hoped the show would continue for generations to come and encouraged the community to recognise the work involved in organising the annual event.

“Going forward, I hope everyone appreciates the show and how much work we actually do to make it happen,” Billy said. “It just doesn’t happen, even though it’s a little show.

“We do it for the community and we’ve got a pretty passionate team on the committee.”

He encouraged anyone interested in helping to get involved.

“We’d love to have more people on the committee, so we can go for another 50 or 100 years. It’d be great.”

The day concluded with a fireworks display lighting up the night sky, bringing the 143rd Charlton Show to a close.

The event was a celebration of the district’s community spirit, made possible by the volunteers, local businesses, exhibitors, committee members and families who contributed their time and resources to another successful year.