Last weekend we attended our first Tanunda Show at the local oval, which is about 5 minutes drive from our place. The show has been going since 1910, and I had heard a lot of discussion from many people about the competitions especially cakes and preserves. Given the near obsession with food in the place, I was quite excited to see what was on offer.
The display in the show hall was fantastic. Kids Lego creations, cakes, pickles, pickled onions, preserve, fruit and vegetables, grapes, craft and giant sunflowers – and at the front the main display of the region’s produce and wine, which was auctioned off later in the day.
I had considered entering some cakes, but didn’t get organised and I suspect I was still scarred from my failed entry to the Wollongong Show 30 years ago. It was a kids packet cake section and my cake was a flop. I have no idea how I failed on a packet cake, but I entered it and copped some good-natured ribbing from teachers and students alike. Not one to accept failure, I had another try and brought a perfect cake in for the teachers the following week.
Anyway, I was excited to see a few friends and a a couple of the boys’ friends had won prizes and while the prize money isn’t huge, for a 50 cent entry, I’ll definitely be having a go next year, if only to be part of the community and keep this Australian tradition alive.
The boys were not as excited by the displays and were keen to enjoy a hot dog and some rides with their friends, although they did come home in the afternoon and start building Lego creations “for the show next year”.
For the kids, the highlight was definitely side-show alley. I’m sure I wasn’t the only parent whose wallet felt somewhat lighter at after only a couple of rides, but the boys had a great time and I at least talked them out of any activity that would have resulted in another piece of plastic or fluffy toy making its way home.
It was a great way to spend a few hours on a beautiful March day, and I am definitely looking forward to being a part of it next year.