The first of three shows – Bowral Show – is now in its 90^th year. Yes that’s right 90 years and it’s still going strong.

This show starter for the year is slightly different to Robertson and Moss Vale Shows – there is no sideshow alley. 

But it is a show that celebrates regional living.

It is the type of show that helps us to appreciate country living in the Southern Highlands. The Bowral Show prides itself on a strong and impressive equestrian program but it also offers much more.

The two-day Highlands attraction is one of the first big events for the region each year. 

There is no doubt this event has great appeal for horse lovers –in fact, many people refer to it as the Bowral Horse Show.

However, as is typical of any good community event this show appeals to the interests of people of all ages and interests. A pet show and dog high jump have proved particularly popular with show goers over the years.

Meanwhile, the pavilion exhibits seem to get bigger and better every year. These include photography, needlework, craft, crochet, knitting, spinning, felting, weaving, cookery, preserves and junior art, craft and cookery also offer plenty of appeal.

Students from several Highlands schools will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents with more than 200 entries in the art and craft section, and 60 in the creative writing and poetry component. 

Two new craft classes in the pavilion section this year, aim to promote a 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.

Southern Highlands Yarn Spinners group, will also exhibit their crafts of knitting, spinning, crochet, hand weaving and felting and share the secrets of their skills with youngsters.

And adding to the spectator appeal of the show will be the opportunity to learn about some of Australia’s most poisonous snakes with Snakes’ Tails presented on Sunday only.

The Bowral Show will be held at Bong Bong Racecourse, Kangaloon Road, Bowral, on January 13 and 14. Admission is $5-10 per person, and camping is available on site.