From snippets sourced from the 1926 Glen Innes Examiner the Show was very different 100 years ago.
‘In Glen Innes shows have been held almost continuously since 1870, when in conjunction with Inverell the first carnival took place on the recreation ground at the back of the present Intermediate High School (now the Public School) -and the only shelter was that provided by tarpaulins.
Shows were held alternately at Inverell and Glen Innes until 1877. Since then, the show society has acquired a ground of its own on which it has placed costly improvements while its operations have grown until £1,000 is offered each year as prizemoney and the attendance on the big day approaches almost five figures.
The basic ideas which led to the promotion of the shows were: The sporting thrill which comes of meeting others in competition; the desire to improve the breed of stock on the stations; the promotion of social intercourse in the days when roads were few and futile.
Ploughing matches formed a definite part of the programme for years and a report of the show of 1878 mentions the excitement these caused. Another feature has come with the motor car – the development of the social side – it is the customary sight nowadays to see the family hamper produced from the capacious motor.
The first tea & luncheon booth, in aid of the hospital was conducted by Mr and Mrs Healey 35 years ago in a small bush house, and a splendid profit of £70 resulted.
Prior to the show the committee ran an auction for ‘privileges’ for individuals to run various booths resulting in 1926: the Publicans Booth No.1 knocked down at £95 to Mr A J Leahy (Inverell), & No.2 £37 Mr Ireland (Inverell); Fruit Stalls No.1 £20 to Mr AB Crotty, No.2 £9 to Mr B Wallace; Refreshment Stalls No. 1 £8 & No.2 £9 to Mr. A. J. Parker | (Inverell) and Tea Booth, £15 to the District Hospital.
Show opener His Excellency the Governor also visited and placed orders for riding boots for himself and snakeskin shoes for his daughter from Whytes Boot Factory.
A Smoke Social was held in conjunction with the show (seems to have been a men-only dinner where tobacco was smoked!)
In 2026, Congratulations to the Largest Local committee of Volunteers: the Glen Innes Show Committee!
