Against all odds, the Royal Canberra Show achieved record-breaking attendance over the weekend, 25-27 February, attracting a crowd upwards of 40,000 people.
On its flagship reopening after the cancellation in 2021 due to Covid, heavy rain then foreshadowed continuous bad luck for the Canberra Show and all its participants.
On the last night of the Show, Sunday 27 February, ACT Policing and ACT Emergency Services Agency went as far as to issue a warning to Canberrans to be cautious of hazardous flood waters, and further dangers associated with heavy rainfall.
This followed Coppins Crossing, Point Hut Crossing and Oaks Estate Crossing being closed due to flooding.
Still, Canberrans drove slowly and safely, or wrapped themselves in raincoats to board the light rail to EPIC, showing their love on the dreary February weekend.
The Royal National Capital Agricultural Society reported the 2022 Royal Canberra Show was a roaring success.
On top of the 40,000 some crowd, the Show welcomed record horse and cattle entries with competitors travelling from as far as Tasmania, Far North Queensland and South Australia to compete.
The dog section, headed by well-known Canberran David Dawes, resulted in not one but three concurrent dog shows.
In its 95th year, the Royal Canberra Show reached its best Sunday in 15 years, in both ticket sales and attendance.
“While having agriculture at its core, the show has broadened over the years … ensuring that there is a vibrant mix of city meeting country,” President Rick Jones said.
“During the day, crowds were treated to woodchop, milking and shearing demonstrations, and racing pigs. At night-time, they cheered on freestyle motocross riders doing tricks mid-air, galloping teams of tent peggers, lawn mower races, and fireworks. And the rain didn’t appear to deter patrons.
“A community of committed and talented volunteers from across the capital region, some with generations of involvement, made the show a reality in the face of numerous hurdles,” Mr Jones said.
The next Royal Canberra Show is scheduled for Friday 24 to Sunday 26 February 2023.
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