Kempsey Show Society president Donna Clarke said the crowds were slightly down in numbers compared to last year’s weekend event, but it was still a tremendous turnout given that show was held in September.

“It was excellent,” she said.

“We had a great roll-up, backed up after only five months.

“All the public came out.

“There was great community spirit on show.

“They were very polite.

“We got very positive feedback.

“Everybody was happy with what was happening and the layout.

“Although final gate figures are yet to be calculated 3000 people entered the exhibition halls.”

Mrs Clarke told the Argus the show had been struggling for three or four years prior to 2017 but attendance picked up markedly in the last two years.

“The future is looking positive,” she said.

“The local schools are on board.

“People entering the different events are all coming back next year.

“We have a good rapport with the showground trust.

“We’re working hand-in-hand to make more structural improvements to benefit all users of the showground.”

Mrs Clarke said the show will be held at the same time of the year in 2019 because the Showmen’s Guild follow the agricultural show circuit.

“When we had the show in September most of the guild members were in Cairns, Adelaide and Melbourne.

“Some came back last year because they didn’t want to let us down. We asked them if they would do it again but they said no.”

The Kempsey Show will also remain a mid-week event.

“There’s no free weekends,” Mrs Clarke said.

“Unfortunately, they are all taken by other shows and I don’t think they would put themselves out to accommodate us.”

However, the show society is considering holding a Spring Fair on a weekend in September. More page 5.