Sarah Cudmore crowned Griffith's 2016 Miss Showgirl

At just 19 years of age Miss Cudmore, who is studying a Bachelor of International Studies majoring in global sustainable development at Wollongong University, impressed the crowd who had gathered to watch.

“It was very exciting to be named showgirl, but I was very nervous,” she admitted.

Proving there is more to the Miss Showgirl competition than a pretty dress, the questions thrown at the candidates for the 2016 showgirl were not for the fainthearted and covered a range of topics.

“They asked me about different politicians, local, state and federal, they asked me about international events and relations and then they also asked me how the recent flooding will effect the region’s cropping and livestock and how we will come back from that,” Miss Cudmore said.

“They put me on the spot a little, but I am from a farming background and I study international affairs so I just used the knowledge that I had.”

Miss Cudmore will now travel to Hillston to compete in the next level of competition, the zone finals.

Despite last minute dress dilemmas amongst some of those competing in the younger sections of the showgirl competition opposition was fierce to see who would take out the show beau, Miss Mini, Sub-junior, Miss Junior and Sub-teen categories on the day.

It was an impressive array of youngsters who entered the competition with their answers showcasing a maturity beyond their years.

“I really like the show because it promotes farmers,” said nine-year-old entrant Charlotte Zentreld. “But the rides are fun as well.” 

Reanna Floriani, who entered with her two sisters, wasn’t giving anything away before her first shot at the sash.

“I am keeping my answers a secret until the judges ask me,” she said of her tactics.

Showgirl winners: