Harvey Agricultural Show celebrates 100 years

History will be on show at this year’s 100th Harvey Agricultural Show on April 27.

The gates open at 9am and the day will wrap upwith the Alcoa Family Fireworks at 7.30pm.

A lot has changed from the early days, but the community-driven spirit of the show still stands strong today.

1919 November: forming of the Harvey Agricultural Society. Agricultural interests had broadened and the Harvey Agricultural Society was to replace the long serving Harvey Citrus Society

1920The first Harvey Show was held on Wednesday, October 20

1933 Show balls become a special attraction, held on the night of the show. Displays and exhibits were packed away and the hall was prepared for the balls

1941-45 No shows were held during the war years as so many men had enlisted for military service

1946Young Street closed off on show day to allow access to indoor displays in the town hall

194940th Show. Change of day to Saturday

1953Friday night program added. Including trotting events and show-jumping

1960Interclub competitions Junior Farmers and Apex

1975-78Major building upgrades. Cattle stalls moved to the north side of Tom Latch, CJ Hanks Pavilion was built.

1979Silver jubilee show. Events were held over three days

1992Cattle yards built

1993 The Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre was completed and housed the indoor displays at the Stewards Room

2008Change of dates from a spring show to an autumn show in April

2017Back to a one-day show