It’s that time of year again! The Penrith Show is officially returning to Penrith Paceway this weekend, with a host of new and returning activities for the whole family to enjoy.
According to Penrith Paceway CEO Tash Greentree, this year’s 179th show is a significant one.
“This year is another important milestone, but it’s also a bit of a soft run for the big 180th next year,” she said.
Putting years of turmoil behind them, Greentree said the Penrith Show Society is more determined than ever to show locals a good time.
“The hurdles have given us more energy to want to put on something really great for the community,” she said.
Given the increased cost-of-living, though, it’s also important for them to keep things affordable.
“As locals ourselves, we’re very aware of the current economy and how hard it is, and we are proud that there are no ticket price increases again this year… so that you can still get out and have a relatively light-priced, fun weekend with the family,” she said.
This year’s Penrith Show will be kicking off at the Paceway on Saturday, August 24.
The official opening will be taking place at 2pm on the day, with the crowning of the 2024 Young Woman competition winner, thanks to the competition’s new major sponsor, Penrith RSL.
Over the course of the weekend, Greentree said there will be plenty of returning favourites as far as displays and activities go.
“The fan-favourite piggy racing is returning, we also have the state’s largest school ag competition and display, and we have the regular competitions that are around the place, like cooking, art, haberdashery and photography to name just a few,” she said.
Greentree added that there has been an increase in entries for their competitions this year, sharing her excitement to see members of the community, particularly the next generation of young creators, share and showcase their many talents at the Penrith Show.
There will also be no shortage of new additions this year to get excited about.
“This year, we’re bringing in the Hawkesbury Working Kelpies to muster up the sheep and the crowd, so that’s going to be fun, and the ever-popular woodchop is back this year,” she said.
“New entertainment this year includes the International Wrestling Australia who will be showcasing Live Pro Wrestling near the performance stage, Cowgirls with Wings will be trick riding across the centre ring and 2024 ICMA New Male Artists finalist Ronnie Joudo and the Whiskey Sodas will have us toe tapping until our epic fireworks go boom at 8pm.”
Penrith Show Society are also proud this year to be running their inaugural Junior Australian Young Farmers Challenge.
“This great program aims to prepare the local agricultural kids in an entry level competition prior to moving upwards into the state and then the Australian championships,” she said.
“We’re really excited to now be running this at the Penrith Show!”
With plenty to see and do, Greentree is hoping to see as many people as possible head down over the course of the weekend.
“It’s a rite of passage, spending a weekend at the show, going around and seeing the animals, having fairy floss and going on rides. The Showmen’s Guild have promised us a sideshow alley of dreams this year, so we are very excited to see the amazing rides that they bring us,” she said.
“It’s something that you’ve definitely got to be a part of.”
The Penrith Show will be on at Penrith Paceway on Saturday, August 24 from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday, August 25 from 9am to 4pm. Single and two-day passes are available. Visit http://www.clubpacewaypenrith.com.
Cassidy Pearce
Cassidy Pearce is a news and entertainment journalist with The Western Weekender. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, she has previously worked with Good Morning Macarthur and joined the Weekender in 2022.