Agricultural showtime ushers in new era

The final preparations are being made for tomorrow’s opening day of the Albany Agricultural Show.

Gates will open at 9am with thousands of people expected to flock to the newly vamped showgrounds on Friday and Saturday.

Founded in 1889, the show returns to its rebuilt home at the Albany Agricultural Society Pavilions, off Lockyer Avenue.

The new pavilion buildings were officially opened on Monday by Albany Agricultural Society president Rob Wright and local councillors.

Great Southern Working Sheep Dog Club secretary treasurer Helen Svalbe said she was thrilled with the new layout of the showgrounds and the sheep dog trials would be held at the new Centennial Stadium oval.

“I have been coming down to Albany for the sheep dog trials for 10 years and this is the first time we have been placed in the centre stage, so we are very pleased,” she said. “This is the first time we have ever had a grandstand for people to sit and watch the trials, so we couldn’t be more happier with the venue.”

All the favourite attractions will be back this year, including the sheepdog trials, The Town ‘n’ Country Ute Muster, the fashion show, the fun of the sideshow alley and rides, and all the hands-on demonstrations.