Griffith show for 2018 is fast approaching, and the future of the community event is looking brighter than ever despite fears it wouldn’t make it to 100.
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All of the favorite events are back with more, meaning the event’s shaky past seems to be put behind it.
Griffith Show Society’s president Laura Cameron said after the past two years, the show seems to be back on its feet.
“Everything is on track, and it seems to be falling into place at once,” Ms Cameron said.
“Not only back, but we are making it bigger and better than ever.”
While the long-weekend event’s future looked bleak, Ms Cameron said the society’s efforts to get it back from the brink have payed off.
“Without our sponsors, events like this would not happen,” Ms Cameron said.
“Back in 2015 it was looking very dire – but the Griffith community has really rallied behind us, and at the end of the day it’s a cycle: We support them, they support us, and together we generate benefits for the whole community.”
The Griffith Show wasn’t held in 2015 after it was put in recess by the committee.
While 2017’s gate takings didn’t increase dramatically from the previous year, breaking even with some left over has provided the opportunity for improvement.
“Every show should be breaking even, and if you are doing that you know you are putting the right events on for the community,” Ms Cameron said.
With a free tent for children this year, the society is trying something new in the hopes to continue catering for everyone.
“We understand there is a lot of rides you have to pay for, however we will have the free nursery, the free reptile show and this year the free tent.
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“Because it’s not-for-profit, the money goes into a better show the next year.”
Wood chopping is back with a vengeance, as are the horse and dog shows, the show girl competitions and everyone’s favorite – the firework display.
The three pillars in any community event: committee, volunteers and sponsors, make a town’s show a reality, and despite having enough man-power to get the show up and running, more volunteers are needed.
“If we want to continue the legacy and tradition of the Griffith Show and make it to 100, we need more volunteers.”
“In the past they haven't run because of the volunteers – without them we are nothing.
“If we want to see the 100 year mark, people need to be involved. I am 24 and being involved is one of the most rewarding things to give back to the community.”