The 2019 Moree Show is just a few days away, and organisers are not letting the drought get in the way of what's promising to be another action-packed two days.
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Despite sponsorship being down this year and reduced livestock events, the 2019 Moree Show was able to go ahead this year thanks to the invaluable support of local businesses.
As a result, this year's show is being labelled the 'drought buster' Moree Show and Moree Show Society hope the community will come out in droves to support it.
"Everybody realises how much people are suffering, so we hope it's something people can look forward to," Moree Show Society secretary Karen Munn said.
"It's so family-friendly, with so many events in the ring that you don't have to pay for.
"And it's not unaffordable, at a cost of only $5 for people over 12 and children under 12 free. You can't do much better than that."
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Unfortunately this year there will be no cattle section, partly as a result of the drought and also due to the Sydney Royal Easter Show only just finishing this week.
There also won't be a wool section due to reduced fleeces, but Mrs Munn hopes those events will be back next year.
The horse events will wrap up at lunch time on Saturday to make way for more novelty events on Saturday afternoon such as the tug-of-war and tyre chuck which don't cost any money to put on.
Prize money is also reduced this year as a result of less sponsorship.
"We're just trying to keep it viable," Mrs Munn said.
"I hope people understand that we're doing our best.
"We don't want to go out broke, we want to keep it going for next year."
In an effort to help 'bust' the drought, this year will feature a prayer for rain during the official opening on Saturday afternoon.
The highlight of this year's show will be the popular Rooftop Express which will return to Moree as the feature entertainment on Saturday evening, from 6.30pm to 7.15pm in the main ring.
David Manchon, who performed at Moree Show four years ago, combines showmanship, stunts, horses and cattle to deliver an entertaining family show.
The horse trainer tours the country with his livestock and van, entertaining crowds with a variety of tricks.
"Everybody loved him last time he was here," Mrs Munn said.
Rooftop Express headlines a list of events planned for this year's show, with most of the entertainment to take place on Saturday afternoon, beginning with the official ceremony at 2.45pm which includes the announcement of the 2019 Moree Showgirl and grand parade at 3pm.
This will be followed by the whipcracking in the ring at 3.30pm, before the farmers' challenge, tug-of-war, tyre chuck, ute barrel races and dog high jump events take place in the main ring.
Fireworks will light up the sky after the Rooftop Express at 7.30pm, followed by the popular demolition derby at 7.45pm.
Entertainment at the bar will begin at 8.15pm and continue into the night.
Scott Stuntz comedy magician will be performing near the southern entrance throughout Saturday, with performances at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
The Gill Bros Rodeo will once again be the highlight on Friday night, kicking off at 6.30pm.
Horse and showjumping events will run throughout Friday and Saturday morning.
The great dog race will be on at 2pm in the main ring, with yard dog trials to take place at 8.30am Saturday and 7.30am on Sunday.
The pet show will begin at 10am with marshalling from 9.15am on Saturday at the rotunda.
The pavilions will be open from 12pm to 6pm on Friday and 9am to 6pm Saturday. Art and craft entries are due Wednesday, April 24, while all cooking entries and horticulture will be received Friday morning.
And, of course, the sideshows and rides, which began arriving on Tuesday, will be running throughout the two days.
Mrs Munn said the grounds are looking fantastic and everything is shaping up to be another fantastic show, with about 5,000 people expected through the gates.
"The grounds look a real picture; the caretakers have been working hard to keep it a bit green," she said.
