A yearly event centered on community, animals, art, craft and friendly competition, the Bowral Show is held across two days at the Bong Bong Racecourse.

It will feature equestrian show jumping, dressage and classes, a pet show, dog high jump and the pavilion exhibit, which includes photography, needlework, craft, crochet, knitting, spinning, felting, weaving, cookery, preserves and junior art, craft and cookery.

As happens each year, the Yarnspinner's Trophy will be on offer for the most outstanding pavilion entry depicting a horse or horses in any section. 

The pavilion will be presenting the work of students from six local participating schools – Bowral, Burrawang, Glennquarry, Kangaloon, Mittagong primary and Mittagong pre-school, which will feature over 200 entries in the art and craft section, and 60 in the creative writing and poetry component. 

As happens each year, the Yarnspinner's Trophy will be on offer for the most outstanding pavilion entry depicting a horse or horses in any section. 

Organisers have also introduced two new craft classes in the pavilion section this year, with the aim of promoting the link between the horse aspect of the show and the pavilion artisan exhibits. 

There will now be two new prizes on offer – one for a crafted item that showcases ‘equine paraphernalia’ (horse hair, horse shoes, leather, etc) and one for any item that features recycled equine paraphernalia.

Pavilion organiser Katherine Wood said the pavilion has garnered funds for trophies and prize money through the generous sponsorship of local business, families and friends. 

“The Pavilion has raised over $1000 this year,” she said. “A special attraction [at the pavilion] is the Southern Highlands Yarn Spinners group, who will be exhibiting their crafts of knitting, spinning, crochet, hand weaving and felting. “They will also be inviting children to participate in some lovely hands-on interactive craft.” 

Another addition to this year’s show is the introduction of the ‘snake tails’ exhibit on the Sunday from 10am, where visitors can see and learn about Australia’s most poisonous snakes.

The Bowral Show will run from 8:30am on Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 14. 

Admission is $5-10 per person, and camping is available on site.