The Deniliquin Pastoral and Agricultural Show will step into full swing tonight, with the Pavilion opening from 4pm as a soft launch to the 2026 show weekend.
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Visitors will get an early look at this year’s exhibitions before sponsors, volunteers and supporters gather from 6pm for the official opening, trophy presentations and the announcement of pavilion results.
The evening will also mark the first formal address from new president Ayla Nganeko‑Begg, who says she is excited to welcome the community as the show weekend begins.
She said attendance is always difficult to predict, but the real measure of success goes far beyond gate numbers.
“Attendance at the show is something that is difficult to gauge. We would love to see the whole town show up,” she said.
“While we do love seeing a higher attendance number in our show wrap‑up, the real measure for a successful show is the value it brings to the community and those attending.
“Our members are out on the grounds and do check in with the public throughout the event, and we love hearing stories of how their little ones loved the petting zoo or jokes about how they are glad they don’t have a kelpie at home if they can jump that high.”
Ms Nganeko‑Begg said the show’s reach extends well beyond Deniliquin, with visitors travelling specifically for the weekend.
And she said that bodes well for long-term tourism and economy building in the community.
“My friend is actually travelling to Deni for the show weekend to support me in my Derby run.
“He is not the only one travelling from further afield too.
“We have competitors travelling from within the region and beyond.
“When you attend events like the show and feel immersed in the community, you feel more comfortable stopping in on your way through for lunch.
“Next time, maybe it’s an overnight pit stop on a road trip, until eventually, your summer holidays are booked in at the BIG 4.”
Ms Nganeko-Begg said her own experience reflects that sense of belonging.
“As a ‘blow‑in’ myself, who moved here in 2019, the comradarie of events like the show made me want to put down roots here, and today I am pretty well settled,” she said.
Recent rain has also helped ease the workload for volunteers preparing the grounds.
“As long as the weather is gorgeous on show day, that’s all that matters,” she said.
“The healthy dose of rain though has saved our volunteers from watering the lawns as religiously as we have been in the month leading up, so it definitely lightens the load.”
Reflecting on her first year behind the scenes, Ms Nganeko‑Begg said she quickly learned what makes the show possible.
“Last year I helped out the secretary on show day and my first question was, ‘How did you pull this off!’
“Through my time in the hot seat, I have found the answer is the show is built on the backs of amazing volunteers who bring such a wide variety of skills to the table.
“We are also lucky that we have amazing mentors who carry the baton of wisdom with them and are more than willing to guide our eager executive on the path to a brilliant show.”
Ms Nganeko-Begg said community engagement is already building, with strong interest from local groups including Kurrajong, where she also works.
“Kurrajong definitely comes to represent at the show, and it is a highlight in their calendar.”
Activity ramped up yesterday, as exhibitors rushed to deliver their entries ahead of the deadline, filling the space with a level of participation organisers say is the strongest in years.
What was once a quiet lead‑in day has become a showcase in itself, with sections across the pavilion reporting good numbers.
One of the most noticeable turnarounds is the Afternoon Tea Tray Set, which had just a few entry last year but now features a full display.
The Men’s Chocolate Cake section has also drawn a strong field.
Long‑time volunteer Lyn Rose said the response has exceeded expectations.
“We are overwhelmed with what we’ve got,” she said.
“The standard is high, and many people have experimented with new exhibits.”
Handcraft steward, Lynda Maher, echoed the sentiment, describing “a good array of different articles, ranging from under-14s right through to the over-80s category.”
For some families, the pavilion is more than a competition, it’s a tradition.
Lyn Rose, her daughters Kelly Seymour and Fiona Petersen, and Lyn’s grandchildren and great-grand children continue a family legacy that stretches back to Lyn’s mother Frances Langman in 1943, contributing to the pavilion’s reputation as the heart of the show.
Outside the pavilion, preparations were just as busy, with carnival rides rolling in and being assembled throughout the day.
A few new attractions are confirmed for this year, including the Showjumper, Kraken and Circus Funhouse.
With others yet to be confirmed, set up and tested, a full list of available rides will be revealed on show day.
But even outside Sideshow Alley, families can expect a packed program on Saturday with a wide range of food options and free activities including face‑painting, a petting zoo and laser tag.
Poultry exhibits also make their return after being sidelined last year due to avian flu restrictions.
A dedicated parents’ tent has been added for those with babies needing a quiet space away from the bustle, rounding out what is shaping up to be a welcoming and well‑catered show environment.
For more information on events and for a full schedule, visit the Deniliquin Show Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DeniShowSociety.