The Narrogin Agricultural Show celebrated its 121st anniversary on March 16, 2025, drawing thousands of attendees to the small town of Narrogin in Western Australia. With approximately 5,500 showgoers, the event showcased the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit under the theme “Where’s The Sheep?” This theme aimed to raise awareness about the impending live export ban and demonstrate support for local farmers.
The show took place at the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre and Clayton Oval, featuring nearly 100 stalls and 20 food vendors. Attendees enjoyed a variety of local art displays, carnival rides, and games, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. Keith Guest, president of the Narrogin Agricultural Society, emphasized that the show serves as a vital gathering for the community, particularly in light of challenges affecting local agriculture.
Art was a significant highlight of the event, with numerous sheep-themed 2-D and 3-D artworks displayed throughout the leisure centre. Local students contributed their creativity through poems, short stories, and adapted song lyrics. In the poetry competition, Elisia Ward won first place in the under-12s category, while Brielle Peacock topped the under-18s division. Lee Sharpe received recognition for the best adult poem. Other winners included Ruby Pamugas and Jessica Everett, who excelled in their respective categories.
The sheep scarecrow contest saw Jenny Forrest take the top prize, while young artists Remy Ives and Ava Hobson garnered awards for their paintings. In recognition of their years of dedication, both Mr. Guest and Alan Birrell received lifetime membership badges from the agricultural society.
Market stalls featured handmade clothing, jewellery, and woodwork, showcasing the talent within the community. Food options were diverse, with offerings from Middle Eastern, Greek, and Italian cuisines, as well as traditional homemade doughnuts and ice cream. The Centrepoint Church provided free lunch, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the day’s festivities.
The show concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and a performance by local band Together In Time, which kept the crowd entertained well into the evening. Mr. Guest noted that pre-show activities, including a sheep-themed quiz night and arts and crafts gatherings, helped build excitement among attendees.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Mr. Guest expressed gratitude for the community’s support and enthusiasm. “Overall the day was great — everyone seemed to have fun and it was a big crowd till about 21:30,” he stated. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the long-standing tradition of the Narrogin Agricultural Show, which remains one of the oldest agricultural shows in Western Australia.
The vibrant celebration not only commemorated the region’s agricultural heritage but also reinforced the community’s resilience in the face of challenges. As the Narrogin Agricultural Society looks forward to future events, the spirit of unity and support for local farmers continues to thrive.
