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The Kalbar show first started as a calf show in 1926 at the local Englesburg School which is now known as
the Kalbar State School. Dances held in the Hermanns Family Barn on their farm
and Grand Concerts held in the School of Arts at night raised the funds required
to allow the Early shows to be held. |
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Even in those early days, the ladies committee was an integral part of the show
with the call on show day echoing around the area, that you could get a great
luncheon and refreshments at the ladies tent for 2 shillings. Little has
changed as the ladies are still an integral part and great supporters of the
modern show providing great luncheon and refreshments on show day with the only
difference being that the cost is a little more than two shillings now.
In these early years many exhibitors would show their goods under the old Kalbar
Picture Theatre which in those years was across a gully. The Local Boy Scouts
constructed a walk way over the water to allow exhibitors and patrons to be able
to walk back and forwards.
Although different to todays versions, the side shows were still very popular.
Trotting Horse races were a favourite, but the big attraction was the big
boxing tent where talented young boxers would fight on the platform.
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Unlike today where trucks are used for transporting, Cattle were walked from
around the Fassifern Valley over 3 miles to the show grounds By the Damm and
Hermann families. The were also many pigs entered from around the district in
the early show years.
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Shows were held at the end of April in the early years with a shed being built
for the cattle men who would walk the animals to the grounds the day before.
Around 2003 the show date shifted to June to avoid conflicting with holidays
such as Easter and Anzac Day. The shift has proved to be a great move with
exhibitors now entering livestock, produce and crafts across over 20 different
sections with each consecutive year seeing growth in the numbers of exibitors in
nearly all sections.
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Every Year the variety and number of stands also continues to grow in line with
the changing face of the Scenic Rim. In 2008 Stalls showcased Local Wine,
olives and gourmet cheeses as a new edition to the already popular rides,
showbags, exhibitions and Show Fast food and beveridge stands. Click
here to see the archive of what previous years shows had to offer and Click
here to see what is new to this years show including fireworks for our 80th year celebrations. |
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The kalbar show society would like to acknowledge one of it's loyal life
members, Mr Eddie Von Kistowski, an active member of the Kalbar Show society for
over 50Yrs, who graciously provided this information
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