Understanding how challenging these times have been for many, we’re especially proud to bring you this year’s Show. Crafted with care by our dedicated team of community volunteers and Show Committee, it’s designed to bring joy and warmth to all who attend. We hope it will remind you that our community shines brightest when we come together to celebrate.
This year’s Show promises a fantastic lineup of events for all ages. You’ll find traditional highlights like livestock competitions, horse shows, fresh produce displays, and craft exhibitions. Celebrate the creativity of local farmers and artisans while savoring farm-to-table delights, homemade treats, and a variety of freshly cooked food. Adding to the festivities will be live music performances, friendly competitions, and numerous opportunities to cheer on participants as they showcase their skills across both days.
If You’re Thinking of Entering a Competition, Do!
I remember the thrill of entering my first show in 2016, a blow-in from the city and a Berry part-timer to boot. I really didn’t have any honed Pavilion skills to speak of but submitted a slice and a few bunches of flowers (scant skills gained from my six-week community college course). My sister baked her best friend’s Mum’s banana cake recipe and together we submitted thinking we would have to be true locals before we had a hope in hell. We were warmly welcomed with our submissions and when judging day came, we were as excited as Christmas morning. And to our delight, we each got first place. As I sit at my desk, I look up to my pinboard where my first prize card from the KV Show sits (my only one) for Cucumbers. With all the work that goes into making the show happen, my competition entries have been lowest on the list, and most years just haven’t made it. My skills are a little more honed and this year, I’m committing to entering at least one competition because it makes a difference to my enjoyment of being part of the Show heritage.
The online process can be a bit tricky but don’t let that stop you. Head into the post office where Katrina and Selena are happy to help. Or come on down to the Farmers Market on the 9th where Cathryn and her office team will be. And if neither of those work, the Show office will be open from Tuesday 11th from 1-7pm and you can do it there. (Julie Ward)
Kids’ Day
Friday transforms the showground into an incredible outdoor classroom and adventure zone with the local Public Holiday for Show Day meaning that school’s out. This year we have created a schedule of events especially for kids, allowing them to flow from one activity to the next, collecting stamps along the way in the Show passport. From cow milking and butter making demonstrations to engaging poultry talks and interactive animal experiences, a baking workshop creating treats to share at lunch, while young poets prepare for their performances.
Throughout the day, children can get up close and learn about the horse competitions, watch cattle judging, and get VIP entry into the Pavilion to see their entries. A special “All About Bees” presentation adds to the day’s discoveries, while Dogs in the Park brings extra excitement with agility displays and breed meet-and-greets.
The afternoon continues with the Junior Talent Muster and bicycle races along with traditional novelties like the Three-Legged Race, Thong Toss, Egg Toss, and Shoe Scramble bringing laughs and friendly competition. Each young visitor receives their own show passport with map and discovery trail, a member’s badge, and a special canvas show bag – keepsakes of the 2025 Show.
Pavilion Treasures
The Pavilion remains the heart of the show, where the community’s creativity and skill shine through displays of home-grown produce, preserves, handicrafts, and photography. From meticulously tended vegetable specimens to perfectly set jams, from intricate handicrafts to eye-catching photography, each display tells a story of dedication and talent.
There is something in here for everyone and it’s not too late to enter, adults and kids. Look through your phone and pick a great photo, make a slice, some jam, pick a few tomatoes, pickle some cucumbers and pick a flower or two from the garden.
Capturing the Valley Spirit
The photography competition gets a fresh update this year with two exciting new categories: ‘pets’ to showcase our beloved animals, and ‘wallpaper’ for creating striking phone and tablet backgrounds. Young photographers are especially encouraged to enter, with competitions now split into two age groups—10 and under, and 11 to 16. Whether it’s misty morning landscapes or backyard wildlife captured on phones or cameras, this is your chance to share how you see our beautiful valley. Entry details at kangaroovalleyshow.org.au/competitions.
Valley Shorts: Our New Short Film Competition
There’s still time to enter the inaugural Valley Shorts Film Competition! This exciting new addition to the show invites content creators of all skill levels to create compelling short films/videos between 30 seconds and 3 minutes duration using everyday technology like smartphones. With a generous $2,500 prize pool, the competition includes special categories for young filmmakers, juniors, and families.
All you need is an idea and a creative way to incorporate the required visual element – a heart. Deadline is Thursday 9th February at midnight. Visit kangaroovalleyshow.org.au/valley-shorts for competition details and inspiration. A selection of entries will be screened on Friday night at 8pm and throughout Saturday, making this a perfect addition to the Valentine’s Day festivities.
Equestrian Excellence
The show’s horse events have been revitalized with increased prize money and innovative new categories. The groundbreaking introduction of Thoroughbred Sport Horse Association classes supports the retraining of former racehorses, offering valuable prizes to encourage this important transition. More accessible competition levels, with open classes starting from 45-60cm, welcome developing riders while maintaining high standards through renowned course designer Kel Priestley’s involvement.
Rodeo Spectacular
Saturday night promises heart-pounding action with the biggest rodeo event in the show’s history! For the first time, the show introduces Saddleback and Bareback Bronc riding alongside the established bull riding championships. The new President’s Choice award, including both a buckle and cash prize, will recognize outstanding performance across all categories. A new Juvenile Champion Steer category for riders aged 14-18 helps foster young talent in this thrilling sport.
Celebrating Cattle Heritage
The cattle events showcase both the valley’s proud dairy heritage and its thriving beef industry. From the early morning sausage sizzles to prestigious judging competitions, these events bring together farmers and their prized animals in a celebration of agricultural excellence. The Junior and Intermediate Parader competitions are particular highlights, fostering the next generation of cattle handlers and providing crucial experience for those gathering points toward the Royal Show.
Valley-tines Day
This year’s show offers a romantic twist with Valentine’s Day celebrations throughout Friday. The evening kicks off with a family-friendly dance hour from 6-7pm, where DJ Tino spins favorites for all ages. From 7:00 to 8:30pm, adults can enjoy country-themed dancing near the bar area and food trucks.
The Cheese and Wine Tasting starts at 6pm and for those who have tickets to the sold-out event, enjoy as our experts take you through a journey of tastes from each state in Australia.
When the sun goes down our outdoor cinema will light up, with a selection of screenings from our first-ever Valley Shorts Film Competition – bring your picnic blanket and we’ll supply the popcorn!
And then the after-party continues in the bar until 11pm with drinks and live music.
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Cheese Champions
On Friday, watch live as cheese judge Graham Redhead, with his international experience from Italy, France, and the UK, evaluates entries from local cheese makers. From fresh butter and yoghurt to complex aged varieties like Parmesan and Stilton, the competition showcases our region’s diverse dairy craftsmanship. What started as a small initiative by local enthusiasts has grown into the largest cheese section south of Kangaroo Valley to Bega.
Canoe Racing Making Waves
Canoe racing returns to highlight Kangaroo Valley’s status as the canoeing capital of New South Wales. With hundreds of kilometers of creeks flowing into the valley, it’s a paddler’s paradise. The competition offers impressive prize money—$1,000 each for men’s and women’s division winners. Whether you’re competing or spectating, the races promise excitement and showcase why Kangaroo Valley is the ultimate paddling destination.
Axe-citing Competition
The sharp crack of axe meeting timber and flying sawdust remains one of the most quintessentially Australian spectacles at agricultural shows. Woodchopping, dubbed the “original extreme sport,” combines raw power with precision as competitors showcase heritage skills passed down through generations and will feature on our Saturday schedule. It’s a living piece of Australian heritage that continues to draw new generations of competitors and spectators.
Musical Talent to Shine
The stage will be set for our Junior Talent Muster on Kids’ Day where primary school students will be invited to show their talents – singing, playing, gymnastics, jokes, magic – if you’ve got talent, we’ve got a stage on Friday afternoon at 2:00pm. Saturday is open for Buskers of all ages who will be entertaining an audience who will be encouraged to show their appreciation and at the same time, judges will award prizes. Those interested in either the Junior Talent Muster and Busking need to submit an application via the website.
Let’s Make the Grand Parade Grand Again
The Grand Parade, led by the iconic Red Shed tractor, will be a spectacular display of community spirit. The Best-Dressed Ute Competition adds extra flair to the proceedings – deck out your work vehicle with flowers, farm gear, or let imagination run wild. Every ute entry receives a pizza voucher courtesy of Terra & Mare, and the top two displays will each take home $150. Community groups are also encouraged to join in and walk together. Register for your choice of entry via the website, so that we can get your pizza voucher ready and your team banner.
Repowering Shoalhaven
Among the exciting exhibits at this year’s Kangaroo Valley Show, the Repower Shoalhaven Electric Vehicle Expo is set to spark considerable interest. This innovative display will showcase a range of electric vehicles currently available in the Australian market. Visitors can take advantage of the opportunity to chat with local EV owners about their real-world experiences, including running costs, savings, and day-to-day benefits. The expo will also feature informative discussions about charging solutions and the integration of solar power for EV charging, demonstrating how rural communities can embrace sustainable transportation. Representatives from Repower Shoalhaven will be on hand to discuss various ways to incorporate electric alternatives into everyday life, making this exhibit a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the future of transport or looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Entertainment for Everyone
– An expanded poultry exhibition featuring rare and unusual breeds
– Paint ‘n Talk Tent
– Dogs in the Park featuring agility displays and breed meet-and-greets
– Matilda’s Magical Farmyard animal nursery
– Side Show Alley and carnival attractions
– Market stalls and food vendors
– Free pool entry with scheduled novelty races and games
Feast on Flavours
Food lovers can indulge in an incredible range of offerings, from sizzling Smokers BBQ to classic show treats. The crown jewel is Caterina’s Tea Room, nestled in the air-conditioned hall, where tradition meets indulgence with Devonshire tea served in fine china, alongside freshly made finger sandwiches, wraps, and homestyle treats crafted from local ingredients.
Tickets and Entries
Ticketing options are flexible with all-weekend Membership tickets available:
– Adult: $25
– Concession: $12.50
– Child: $10
Single-day tickets are also available.
Volunteers
Finally, we will always have a job for anyone wanting to join our team. There is always much to do and it’s a great way to work together and make new friends and there is a wonderful thank-you BBQ in the week after the show. So for all those reasons, and to keep the show alive, please head to the website and sign up.
For all information and to purchase tickets, visit www.kangaroovalleyshow.org.au
See you at the Show!
Julie Ward (on behalf of the Show Committee)
