General Information

2021 has been a highly successful year for the Esk Show Society due to the tremendous dedication and contribution of so many people. Despite having to cancel the 2020 Esk Show and coping with the uncertainty created by the Covid 19 pandemic with its many new regulations and restrictions, the Esk Show Society has continued to move forward, adapting as required and maintaining a positive flexible approach.

Our foremost event, the Esk Show in May, was a resounding success and certainly celebrated our theme of Bringing the Community Together after such a tough year. Over 4,000 people flocked to the Show over the two days and an amazing atmosphere was generated for all who attended. Free rides on Saturday and plenty of entertainment attracted crowds from far and wide and created a great deal of public goodwill.

The Night of Nights Esk Show Ball in May with its Black & White Theme saw 220 people thoroughly enjoy themselves after a year’s break due to Covid’s intervention. Congratulations to our 2021 Esk Show Girl Breanna Pearson and 2021 Esk Show Rural Ambassador Matthew Heck and all entrants on their involvement and enthusiasm. Well done to our Junior Show Girl Taleah Pearson and Show Princess Daisy May Donohue. Breanna and Matthew also achieved further recognition at the West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub-Chamber Regional Finals, being awarded Runner-Up in their respective Show Girl and Rural Ambassador categories. They both represented Esk Show Society with distinction and authenticity. Well done on your achievements.

Highly successful fund-raising has contributed a great deal towards the Esk Show Society being in a strong financial position to host these wonderful community events. Our third Camp & Jam Country, Blues and Rock Festival in March was no exception, attracting over 200 people with 90 caravans. 2021 saw it expanded to a 4-day camping experience at Esk Showgrounds, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in a Somerset Region experience, with businesses across the community benefitting. The Esk Garden and Lifestyle Fair in June saw us run a very successful food stall and we thank the organisers for providing us with this opportunity.

Our achievements and highlights this year were the result of terrific teamwork and support for each other. Thank you to all our tireless volunteers contributing your skills, expertise and energy to so many different aspects of running a Show Society – administration, representatives, catering, grounds and events as well as stewards and judges. I’d like to especially thank Sally Jess, filling an enormous void as Acting Secretary, when the Secretary position became vacant at last year’s AGM. I don’t know how we would have managed without Sally’s dedication. I’d also like to recognise Jocelyn Frost for her foresight and drive in getting Esk Show Society to such a sound fiscal position leading tremendously successful fund-raising events over the past few years.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Estelle Drynan on her retirement as Chief Steward of the Horse Section at Esk Show after 30 years. We are very grateful for Estelle’s enduring contribution over many decades and I would like to present a small token of our gratitude.

In conclusion, I look forward to working with you all as the Esk Show Society heads towards ongoing success in 2022.

Michele Arnold
2021 Esk Show Society President