Over 100 years of history

Drop into the Pavilion at the Show to view the 1888-1940: Gunning Show through the years exhibition, and share your memories of the Show. Don't forget to bring along any of your own Show photos, slides, certificates, ribbons, or memorabilia. We'll have a scanner and camera available to copy them on the spot. Help us build up a detailed record of the Gunning Show's rich history.


The beginnings

"The annual exhibition was really the show window of the district, and the advertising medium of the district's produce. The show was to the Gunning district what Farmer's and Hordern's were to the metropolis." — JM Tully MLA, opening the show in 1928.

The first Gunning Show was held in February 1888 on land provided by Henry Saxby, the first president of the PA&I Society. In 1891 or 1893, the show moved to the town's recreation reserve, now known as the showgrounds. No show was held in 1892 due to the resignation of the Secretary.

Reflecting the influence of the temperance movement, use of both Henry Saxby's land and the recreation reserve was granted on the condition that alcohol would not be served on the grounds. This condition was eventually challenged by members of the PA&I Society and, as a result, no shows were held between 1893 and 1901. When the show resumed, a new group of trustees granted use of the recreation reserve without this restriction...[more]

Wet and 'dry' – the first Gunning Show

"The miscellaneous section was a very thin one. A model of a stump extractor, one of the exhibits, deservedly attracted some attention; and more than one smile was elicited by an exhibit by Mr. Saxby, the president, under the class for the most useful exhibit of any kind not included in the prize schedule. It consisted of a crown piece under a glass shade". — Goulburn Evening Penny Post, 25 February 1888.

Gunning hotels had a ‘harvest’, the Goulburn Evening Penny Post reported, as more than 600 people crowded into town for the first ever Gunning Show on 23 February 1888. Thirsty visitors in search of a little fortification had no choice but to avail themselves of the hotels’ hospitality, as the show itself was ‘dry’ – no alcohol was permitted on the grounds.

From the previous November, the newly-formed PA&I Society had been ‘working away with a will’. A schedule had been drafted, buildings and pens had been constructed, and close to 600 entries had been received. But not everything went according to plan. A heavy thunderstorm at about 6 o’clock brought an abrupt end to the first day’s proceedings. The deluge rendered gutters impassable, and rain leaked through the pavilion’s calico roof, damaging many exhibits... [more]

Through good years and bad...

The show was a reflection of the season...

Country Life and Stock and Station Journal, 3 March 1939, p. 6. Caption reads: "Top Left - The new Industrial Hall, which, despite the dry season, was well filled with pleasing quality primary products. Top right - Mr J Chaplain, of 24 Palace Street Ashfield, demonstrates his patent 'All-In' Sheep Blow-Fly Trap. Bottom-Left - Messrs HW Churchill, Roy Glover (President of Yass Show Society), John Shields (boxing show proprietor) and Ron Harvey, discussing the day's events. The horse float was used by Mr Glover for the transport of his two Clydesdale stallions."

"Gunning Show, which was held on the three closing days of last week, was an outstanding example of implicit faith by country people in their district, a testimony to the value of co-operation and loyalty to the show committee and Gunning Shire Council, and a glorious triumph of primary production over one of the driest seasons in the memory of the oldest inhabitants." - Country Life and Stock and Station Journal, 3 March 1939, p.3.