Cowra Show

An excess of hotels doomed the first Cowra Pastoral and Agricultural Association, formed on July 8, 1878, to little more than a year’s life. As most local meetings were held in pubs, the association rotated venues, but uncertainty over the next location saw enthusiasm and attendance fade. In May 1880, a new Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association formed, staging its first show that August in a paddock with sliprails for a gate. Two more paddock shows followed before 10 acres west of the Lachlan River were set aside as a showground in 1882. In 1910, the association joined with the Cowra Jockey Club to share the present showground-racecourse.