Yeppoon Show 60 years

[Bob Pacey]

Our local show hit 60 years this year a wonderful achievement. I was asked to record the event and got to recite it at the opening ceremony yesterday . The committee lost two wonderful members in the last 12 months Bren Canfell who ran the woodchopping events and Ted Brighton who only passed away at 88 years on the 23 may this year. They told the story that Ted tried to get out of his hospital bed to go down to the show grounds to fix the broadcast box such was his commitment. I was asked to include both of them in the poem.

Yeppoon Show Sixty Years

We can plan where we are going and follow hopes and dreams
try to visualise the future from afar.
But to know where we are heading we must build upon our past
for history always makes us who we are.

When like minded people gather then the dreams they start to build
as from the smallest seed a mighty tree will grow.
We can look now to the future with pride swelling in our hearts
Let us celebrate the building of our show.

Way back in nineteen fifty three The Yeppoon Advancement League
over saw the breaking of a brand new dawn.
They showed a fierce determination born from our pioneers
and The Yeppoon and District Festival was born

The early days were tough and hard but the community was strong
the first Yeppoon and District Festival was grand.
Street parades and local traders showcased the regions wares
Schools and businesses turned out to lend a hand.

This was to be a local show and interest quickly grew
with trade and farm displays all vying for some space.
Showing off their wares and services to an eager clientele
the ring events saw boys and girls compete and race.

Was in nineteen fifty five a wondrous milestone then was reached
as the interest and support grew out of sight.
The Yeppoon and District Agricultural Show Society was formed
and it provided then a firm and guiding light.

The Show then moved location to its present site today
Stevenson Park a place that we all hold so dear.
From here the Show has flourished as a bright and shining light
with a future growing stronger every year.

Time fly's by so quickly with many changes taking place
Pavilions replaced, new ones built down through the years.
With support from service clubs and businesses all keen to play their part
and of course our happy band of volunteers.

Progressively The Show emerged and though it seems like yesterday
the changes added to the atmosphere we love.
Wood chopping was a fine tradition of many country shows
and for Bren Canfell they fitted like a glove.

I must mention here Ted Brightons contribution through the years
he had been a volunteer since nineteen fifty-five.
The broadcast building that stands proudly ringside here today
pays him tribute and keeps the dream alive.

The facilities aged gracefully against the hands of time
and it was then thought an upgrade was long overdue.
The Nineteen eighty three committee embarked upon this plan
made the changes and then bid the past adieu.

New entrances and ticket boxes. pavilions by the score
recognising those who gave so freely of their time.
Too many here to mention but their efforts we admire
as new buildings emerged from the dirt and grime.

The Show is now still growing and evolving with the times
with new features and events we hold so dear.
Local artists all now play their part as we continue to progress
with entertainment through the night, the futures clear.

Although The Show keeps building and expanding every year
it still maintains that old time country feel today.
Showing off our regions talents for all the world to see
and of course our children's projects on display.

There are still so many projects that are waiting in the wings
all planned to guarantee the shows future success.
But with a drive and fierce determination we will continue on our way
to produce a spectacle that always will impress.

Sixty years in its creation built on blood and sweat and tears
and the efforts of a million volunteers.
A showcase of our regions benefits, so everyone can see
the reason that we cherish and all love living here.

Remember where we came from so many years ago
dirt floors and cooking in the open air.
Then look at what we have now a vibrant throbbing hub
all put together by committed folk who care.

There are so many who have played their part in what we see today
this special milestone fills them all with so much pride
Sixty years where has the time flown dare we strive for sixty more
Lets celebrate the future and the past now side by side.

Bob Pacey (C)

[Maureen K Clifford]

They'd have to be happy with that Bob - well done

[Bob Pacey]

Yes Maureen it took a lot to sort through the info given as it almost listed every winner ect for the 60 years but it finally came together and I have received positive comments from a lot of the lifetime members.


Cheers Bob