In primary school I remember rushing into the Pavilion once the Show began each year to see if one of my artworks had received a prize, gathering on the hill to watch the hotly anticipated Iron Man and Iron Woman races, and spending all my pocket money on Warhead lolly show bags.
I also remember trying to win an electric shock toy every year to trick people with. Unsurprisingly everyone caught on pretty quickly, no thanks to my group of friends giggling beside me as I tried to persuade my next victim to try the toy.
As we await the 138th show this month, I reached out to some of my Kangaroo Valley childhood friends about their own memories. A common event many hold dear was the annual Talent Quest.
“Having participated in the Talent Quest for five years with my friends at school, it was a highlight of my childhood years.” Says Phoebe Szymoniczek.
“The last time I participated was in year 6 where my friend and I won 3rd place, which was probably the year that stood out for me most!”
In 2012, myself, Maya Britton, Lily Magill, and Sarah Krauth performed a dance for the competition. From the many afternoons spent meeting after school to practise, to organising our outfits, the whole process was so exciting for us all.
Speaking to Sarah Krauth about her recollections of the Show, she reflects, “It’s funny because now I like to think to myself, do the things that would make a 10-year-old me think ‘’how cool is she?’’, but I could not imagine facing the crowds that a 10-year-old me once did.”
Lily Magill also has fond memories of participating in every Talent Quest for five years. The very first time she sang in front of a crowd outside of her family was at the Show, and it granted her valuable opportunities to further explore her passion outside of Kangaroo Valley.
“As a kid growing up, I always loved singing and performing. Whether it was dancing and singing with my friends or alone, I have always had positive memories from the Talent Quest.” She reflects.
“Each year I would get better and better. One year after performing I was offered the opportunity to record music in a studio with one of the music crew who was supporting the Show. I then later went on to work with these musicians when singing for my year 12 HSC.”
I found the video my mum filmed of the performance while I was writing this article, and whilst watching it back makes me visibly cringe, I am grateful to have been raised in a community where I felt comfortable and supported in stepping out of my comfort zone. The dance landed us a third place win and 11 year old me was stoked about the $20 cash prize, even after we split it four ways.
Despite having moved away from the Valley 13 years ago, Krauth and her family continue to visit every February for the Show.
“It’s become an annual reunion for my family to all go to the Show together, and every year one of them would bring up how I used to perform each year with friends.” She explains.
“It has changed a lot since I was a kid, but it always feels so nostalgic to come back and see kids and families enjoying the Show as much as I did growing up.”
I unfortunately haven’t been to the Kangaroo Valley Show since high school but having taken the time to reminisce about the special times I’ve had there, I may have to retreat to the Valley for this one.
Luka Russell
