It’s showtime! Annual community event puts Nambour in spotlight

“There were two events in the year we saved up for as kids: one was the Nambour Show and the other was Christmas” – so say many old-timers, recalling their childhood.

A full 120 years of memories of the show are stored in our collective psyche – the ring events, displays of produce, competitions, sideshows, entertainment and fireworks. It has been the place to meet old friends and have a great day out. It has also been the place to wear your Sunday best and walk with pride.

Celebrating its 120th anniversary, the 2026 Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is scheduled for Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 14. The three-day event will be held at the Nambour Showgrounds.

The show had humble beginnings, dating to 1900. Maroochy Pastoral, Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society launched the first show at Woombye (the show was cancelled during World War II and Covid, so the actual tally is 120 in 2026).

By 1909, the show had outgrown its site in Woombye and moved to Nambour. To showcase the produce of the region, a permanent pavilion was built in 1909. A bigger one was built in 1931. Improvements have been made to the present day.

Features of the show have become a tradition. There is a grand opening parade, dignitaries and speeches, plus a large show ring offering continual entertainment with showjumping, dressage and rodeo-like items. Sideshow alley offers different excitement with knock’ems and a ferris wheel, fairy floss and hot dogs. A pavilion accommodates displays of arts and crafts, cooking and sewing, fruit and vegetables.

The show serves as an historical record of how our industries have changed. The glory days of dairying, cane growing and fruit production no longer take centre stage.

The local council and businesspeople have always been great supporters. Some of their efforts are acknowledged in the names of structures at the showgrounds such as JD Grimes and Fergus Scott.

Show presidents, committee members and secretaries have served loyally in their commitment to its success. Volunteers have also made a massive contribution since the first show and have become vital over the years. Many names are remembered: Jasper Bentley, Bert and Lorna Wallace, Jim and Byron Carolan, Mary Nipperas, Les Dowdle, Bev and Ken Pascoe, Tony and Val White, Ray Grace and Jenny McKay. Whole families have been involved: wood chopping champions, including Ray and Malcolm English and Don Kennedy, would be competing while their families served refreshments.

Characters such as Johnny Hamilton and his fundraiser of Guess the Weight of the Fat Bullock was an attraction in itself.

Nambour identity Maureen Doneman is 94 and recalls how she was inspired by her grandmother Martha Bade and her mother Alma Low, who always entered cooking, conserves and horticultural items. From the 1960s to 2000s, Maureen has more than 500 cards marking her prizes in competitions. She became a steward, then chief steward and judge in those contests.

 Audienne Blyth is a member of the Nambour Historical Museum, open 1-4pm Wednesdays to Fridays, and 10am-3pm on Saturdays.