The Royal Agricultural Society of WA named the late Jim Cardile of Cardile Fireworks as their inaugural Legend of the Show, recognising his extraordinary contribution to the Perth Royal Show’s 189-year history. The announcement was made before a full main-arena crowd on the Show’s opening night, moments ahead of a spectacular fireworks display that has become synonymous with the Cardile name.
Jim, who passed away in May at age 85, presented his first fireworks at the Claremont Showground as a teenager in the 1950s and went on to build one of the Show’s most enduring traditions. For more than 70 years, the Cardile family has lit up the skies of Perth, cementing their place as Western Australia’s longest-running fireworks specialists.
Royal Agricultural Society of WA CEO Robyn Sermon said it was fitting that the award recognises Jim’s passion and innovation, which have created memories for generations. Jim’s son Rob and grandson Jimmy described the honour as a meaningful tribute to a man who dedicated his life to bringing joy to Western Australians.
The Legend of the Show will become an annual tradition for the Perth Royal Show, with inductees celebrated along a permanent walk of fame. This year, the Cardile family continued Jim’s legacy with the Show’s an immersive 360-degree sky theatre spectacle culminating in the largest finale ever staged.
