The usual population of Launceston showground grew exponentially throughout the week as breeders and those showing their animals set up camp in readiness for the Royal Launceston Show.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Show horses were the first to be judged, with the equestrian contenders put through their paces on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Horses were followed by beef and dairy cattle and sheep on Thursday, the show’s opening day.
The show jumping competition starts on Thursday as well, and runs through until Saturday, Royal Launceston Show Society president Jock Gibson said.
“We have 13 competitors who have come from the mainland to compete in the show jumping. That is quite a few, which is unusual,” Mr Gibson said.
Interbreed beef and dairy cattle judging is on Friday, with goats following on Saturday.
“We’ve got good entries this year in all sections,” Mr Gibson said.
“People enjoy watching the judging,” he said.
RELATED STORIES:
Moving away from agriculture, animals lovers can also get their canine and feline fix, with conformation dog judging and cats and cavies in the Cottage Industries pavilions.
“We will have conformation dog judging over all three days. There’s 400-500 dogs entered, so that’s a big section.
“The dogs are very popular,” he said.
Those wanting to get a closer look at animals can see the miniature horses on Saturday or visit the animal nursery, which is open every day.
“The animal nursery is a family favourite,” Mr Gibson said.
“There is wood chopping every day and hot saws on Friday. Wood chopping is always popular,” he said.
Besides the animal judging and exhibits, the Royal Launceston Show offers a host of other entertainment, including rides, showbags and roving entertainers, Mr Gibson said.
“We’ve got a new event this year, the Animal Wranglers comedy act which will appeal to all ages. It will prove quite popular,” he said.
The Royal National Agricultural and Pastoral Society of Tasmania has held an agricultural show in Launceston since 1873, with the show granted its royal decree in 1984.
The 2017 Royal Launceston Show starts on Thursday at the Launceston Showgrounds, Inveresk, and runs until until Saturday.
Gates open at 8.30am each day and close at 5pm Thursday and Saturday, with hours extended until 10pm on Friday.
Tickets are sold at the gate for $15 adults, $6 children (between five and 15 years), $11 concession and $35 family.