“Amazing” was the verdict on the 2025 Bedgerabong Show from newly-sashed Young Woman Jess Alcorn.
Jess, who grew up in the area, has been leading cattle since she was three years old and made plenty of entries in the show through her school years at Bedgerabong.
But she gained a whole new insight into the event as its ambassador on Saturday.
While there was a chilly wind and a couple of rain showers, they didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those attending the rural show.
Broadening her horizons from the cattle sheds, Jess served as poultry steward for the first time, learnt a lot and loved it.
Joining Show president – and local school principal - Paul Faulkner for the day’s official duties as a Young Woman entrant and winner was a great experience.
Jess lives on the farm at Jemalong, working with council, plays tennis in the local competition and has been enjoying getting back into the show community recently.
“Overall the day was honestly amazing,” Jess said. “I got to talk to a lot of people I knew that I hadn’t seen in a while.”
Bedgerabong was also host to a number of Young Woman competition winners, who have ignited an excitement in the newest wearer of the sash for the opportunities it presents.
Bedgerabong always hosts a great day out and Saturday was no exception, with the gates open from 6am and Jess given the honour of pressing the button to ignite the night's spectacular fireworks display.
The school’s marimba performance was a highlight of the day, as was the exciting Young Farmers Challenge.
The winning team of Sammy Smith, Roy Elder, Dessie Harvey and Paris Capell had to roll a swag, carry a hay bale, try their hand at “milking a cow” – or rather a glove – and eat a dry Weetbix, and they now get to compete in the Young Farmers Challenge at Sydney Royal Show.
Another new feature was the presentation of a champion of champions following the grand parade.
With spectacular winning entries from cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry sections, Champion Animal of Show was Tamworth Sow Ruby, owned by Wes and Kristen Temessl.
The historic vehicle display was well attended, and the Show society looks forward to seeing some utes enter next year.
Show-goers loved the dodgem cars, were entertained by the duck races and captivated by Dane the Magician’s show.
The fire buckets were stoked up in the evening, the Darth Vadar fire bucket particularly impressive as champion and winner of the people's choice award.
Show president Paul Faulkner said it was a privilege to officially welcome the community to the show, so much more than a date on the annual calendar.
“At its heart, our show is about people - people who care for their land, tend their livestock, and give so generously of their time and talents to keep this tradition alive,” he said.
“Whether it’s the young ones showing in their first event, the seasoned farmers sharing their prize rams, and bulls or the neighbours who’ve baked, stitched, painted, or grown something to share, this show is a living, breathing reflection of our connectedness.
“Beyond the show and exhibits, though, lies the true magic of today: the conversations, the shared laughs, the catching up over a cuppa, and the swapping of stories.
“This is a day for strengthening bonds, welcoming newcomers, and reminding ourselves that we are part of something bigger - a community that looks out for one another, that knows the value of a neighbourly chat, and that understands the strength that comes from working together.”
Mr Faulkner extended a heartfelt thank you to the organisers, volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors – it takes a community effort to prepare the grounds and ensure everything runs on the day.
“Your efforts ensure that this tradition not only survives but continues to thrive,” he said.