The first newspaper report of the Callide Valley Agricultural
Association was published on February 10, 1933. A public meeting was
called by the Secretary Mr. W. Paroz and was held in the School of
Arts on February7. During the meeting Mr Paroz stated that the
Association had been formed in 1930, but owing to following bad
seasons, no Show could be held. However, it was now considered that
the prospects of the district were sufficiently bright to hold a
Show in 1933, and it was unanimously agreed to hold the first Show
on June 2 and 3.
The Association was to be registered as a Society which precluded
the registration of any other such Society within an area of 25
miles.
The first Show was lauded as a triumph of courage and enterprise. A
splendid response had been made by the public of the district and
exhibits numbered between five and six hundred and were of high
standard. A comment (in the newspaper of the day) was made that the
Society was to be congratulated on the possession of so suitably
situated grounds which could be turned into one of the pleasantest
showgrounds in the Callide Valley.
The 1933 Show had bush timber and Hessian used for some pavilions.
Even then Rain Insurance was talked about. Membership was 10/6
($1.05) per annum.
Due to the War no Shows were held in 1942, 1943, and 1944.
The Tenth Annual Show gave signs of renewed vigour and promise of
surprising shows to come. Entries totalled 700 and gate receipt were
£42 ($84) first day and £97 ($194) second day. Most spectators were
pleased to have the Show back again.
The Twentieth Annual Show proved to be a record in every way.
Entries in all sections surpassed other years and the attendance for
the three days was much greater. Over £500 ($1000) was taken at the
gate and membership increased to a record value of £250 ($500). The
Ladies Auxiliary snack bar and luncheon booth made £430 ($860), car
park £30 ($60), Show Ball £167 ($334), Rodeo and Dance £26 ($52).
The Thirtieth Annual Show had a record pavilion 'despite one of the
worst years'. The number of entries in some sections was far bigger
than had been expected, but gate takings for the whole Show were
only 3% higher than in 1964. Patrons appreciated the extension to
the pavilion.
"A Show to be proud of" was the description given to the Society's
Fortieth Show held on May 15, 1975.
We've celebrated our Golden Jubilee in 1985 with producing a book
telling of some of our history prepared for us by Eric Davis were he
stated in his preface 'The reader of these notes compiled from
reports of the Society in the Central Telegraph, will get some idea
of the struggle encountered by various interested people to keep the
Show going as a viable proposition. Their perseverance can be
followed through many difficulties including droughts and heavy
rain, but mostly the scarcity of finance. Every little improvement
on the grounds had to be fought for, and it was only by donations of
timber or cash from the members and the community, and the never
ending voluntary work that any progress was achieved.
The members of the various committees still living and those who
have passed on, are to be complimented on a splendid and arduous
task carried out to a successful conclusion, and the community for
it interest, though waning at times, helped to keep things going.
The Callide Valley can be proud of its Show Society.
Again for our Diamond Jubilee Mavis Saal, committee member today
still, went to great lengths to gather records of the ten years
since the previous booklet to record for history the activities of
this vital community organisation.
Both of these booklets make for interesting reading and we still
have some available from the Secretaries office if anyone wishes.
We have continued to grow, with both up and down periods, but with a
committee dedicated to bringing the best Agricultural Show to the
people of its district. Highlighting for all to come and see what we
as a town and district can do in all fields possible.
The Callide Valley Agricultural & Pastoral Society Inc. was
nominated for the Australia Day Awards 'Community Event of the Year'
in the Banana Shire for 2005.
This was our 70th Annual Show and it was very pleasing for all our
voluntary workers who work hard in all areas and Sections to put
this Show on to receive this nomination but even better still we won
and were Awarded the Medal for the 'Community Event of the Year.'
We would like to acknowledge all our volunteers who come and help
each year tirelessly for three days, some even more in the
preparation leading up to show. Thank You.
So come and share in a great time of fun and laughter for the
community at the local Callide Valley Show at the Biloela Show
grounds, Auburn Street, Biloela.