Photos and words contributed by Coralee Italiano
Thousands of show patrons from near and far flocked to the Harvey showgrounds on Saturday April 27th to be a part of the Harvey Agricultural Society’s celebrations of the their 100th Harvey Show.
Thanks to a partnership between the Harvey Agricultural Society, Harvey Beef and Alcoa, children 16 years and under received free entry to this year’s show which resulted in the attraction of one of the show’s biggest crowd to date.
With historical and industry displays, vintage machinery and cars, all-day live entertainment, sideshow alley, beef, cattle and horse exhibitions, free children’s activities and jam-packed exhibition halls, there was something for everyone at this year’s show.
John Lowe, son of the first Harvey Agricultural Society President Jack Lowe, had the honour of officially opening the show in front of the packed crowd.
Mr Jack Lowe OBE
A highlight of the day was the displays in the Old Town Hall, in which Harvey’s agriculture, industry and community were reflected and portrayed. Photographic displays, Harvey Agricultural Society, Harvey Beef, Harvey Citrus and Sunnywest displays were just some of the items on show in the Old Town Hall. So popular was the old hall that the Society had requests to leave the hall open to the general public the week following the show. With Harvey Shire approval the Society were able to open it and this allowed hundreds more people to walk through the doors to enjoy all the displays.
A reunion of the former Miss Harvey Showgirls was another highlight of the day with the group of 20 ladies taking part in the re-creation of the grand parade riding on horse drawn wagons.
Harvey resident and Harvey Show steward Pam Sharp took out the award for most points of the show, followed by Christine Fielder, also from Harvey, who was runnerup.
As special commemorative award for the family with the most entries in the Show went to the Corso family, of Harvey, who together had more than 150 entries in the Show.
Harvey Agricultural Society president Cheryl Moyle said that is was a wonderful to see the day come together and see everyone enjoying themselves. She said it was a credit to her hard working band of committee members and volunteers.
Harvey Show in 1938
Harvey Show in 1967