President's Message
Welcome to the 146th Crystal Brook Show, as I write this in 2025 our community has been gripped by the driest 18 month period on record. But once again we put our best foot forward to brush the dust off and continue a tradition that has surpassed nearly a century and a half.
In 1874, the first Crystal Brook Show was held, a ploughing match to show the finest horses. The show grew from strength to strength and in 1900 the show moved to its current location to be close to the railway line so that patrons could attend the show via train. The show has run every year since its inception in 1874 aside from 1942,1943 and 1944 where the show was abandoned due to World War II, and in 2020 and 2021, where unfortunately the Covid Pandemic forced the reluctant cancellation of our show.
We are very excited to have some new entertainment in 2025, the South Australian Parkour Association will be conducting demonstrations throughout the day. The hub area continues to grow with the introduction of wine tastings and cheese platters available from late afternoon. Live music will entertain the crowd throughout the day.
This year the committee has endeavoured to improve the layout for attendees. Once again, we will have Kemmy’s Red Brick Trail bags, a low-cost activity for families to explore the show grounds and receive a bag full of goodies in the process. A massive thank you must go to the entertainment subcommittee for the organisation of this feature and the Girl Guides for assisting in the sites across the grounds. Other free activities include a massive sand pit, oversized games, crafting activities, Animals Anonymous, the Petting Zoo and giant bubbles. And for the teens and keen adults, this year we bring you the Mechanical Bull!
There have been some major changes to our Prime Lamb section, with exhibitors decorating their pens in their team colours. Best decorated pen will receive a $450 reward for their club. How great it feels to be able to pay it forward to other local community organisations. The led steer classes have also been improved with changes to the classes and increased prize money.
A show of this magnitude cannot go on without the tireless efforts of the organising committee. I feel honoured to be part of such a strong and willing team that enthusiastically come together to organise this huge community event. Thankyou also to all the show convenors, without you, none of our indoor/ outdoor exhibits are possible. The time and effort you all put into make your sections what they are on show day is truly amazing.
This day is not possible without our kind sponsors, listed throughout the show book. We are grateful for your willingness to contribute and support our local show. Thank you to all the trophy and prize donors, members, exhibitors, judges, stewards and volunteers across the showground. You all play a significant role in bringing this wonderful community event to life.
Kim Zohs
President