It’s Showtime Taking a look back over the years …

Did you know that the first Proserpine Show was held in 1899?

And that it was held on Mr John Compton’s farm in the area where Drakes is now located?

The “Port Denison Times” reported, “exhibits were housed in a building near the stables. Mr Jim Reid won the prize for the best cabbages.”  

It is believed that the original show came about after the townswomen visited each other for company and would often compare their home remedies, needlecraft and gardening leading to a competition between the ladies.

After seeing the women’s display, the men decided to have a ploughing match and brought along some horses. And so, the Proserpine Agricultural, Pastoral and Industrial Show was born.

By 1902, the idea of a show was rooted in the community with the first meeting of a show committee held in April.

By 1910, the show had grown to such an extent that it was necessary to secure larger premises and the committee leased the current grounds from landowner, G Waite.

A year later, more than 1000 patrons attended the event including visitors from Bowen who were brought down on a special train organised for the occasion.

While we now have a two-day show including the very popular night show on Friday evening, this was not always the case.

In 1932, the committee was forced to revert to a one-day show due to financial constraints in the district and the night show is a much more modern addition having been introduced in the late 1980s.

Since its inception, the show has seen many improvements – in 1947, a more spacious pavilion was erected, electricity was connected in 1949, a telephone was installed in 1956 and town water supply was available soon after.

Over the years, buildings have been regularly modernised or replaced such as new bar facilities in 1980 and upgraded cattle yards in 2022.  

Additional buildings have also been erected such as the Daly and Emily Thomas Memorial Pavilion in 1993 and a new Main Pavilion in 2021, to replace the one destroyed by Cyclone Debbie.

This pavilion features a well-equipped bar constructed using timber from the previous pavilion.

In 2023, patrons will be treated to a brand-new poultry shed as well as a new grandstand from which to enjoy the ring events.

While many changes have occurred, a familiar thread remains – for example, the effect horses still have on the show.

While “Best Turnout”, the once keenly contested event of brightly coloured and polished sulkies, with a proudly groomed horse stepping out sharply around the ring is long gone, competitions of a different nature are still keenly contested between riders and their mounts.

Side Show alley remains a firm favourite with the young patrons although shows such as Jimmy Sharman’s Boxing Troupe are seen no more.

The exhibit halls continue to attract locals who wish to display their crafts, fruit, vegetables, and cooking and hopefully be judged as the finest in that section.

And for years and years, patrons have savoured the waffles, potato chips, dagwood dogs and fairy floss.

Proserpine’s very first show brought together an isolated community for social activity and friendly competition.

While these days our community is no longer isolated, today’s show (now known as Show Whitsunday) continues to be an important and greatly anticipated social event.

The people of the Whitsundays owe a debt to the many dedicated men and women who, for well over a century, have given their time and talents to make the annual show the success that it is today.

This year, the 110th show, promises to deliver yet another fun-filled and action-packed two days of entertainment for all the family.

Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Lady Drivers I McCormack; Mrs Frazer at the last lady driving contest c 1930

Mr and Mrs Ned Lascelles presenting ribbons at the Proserpine Show. Photos supplied

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