Inverell Show

The Pastoral and Agricultural Association of New England, formed in 1868, united the Inverell and Glen Innes districts. An informal show was held at Inverell that year, with the first official show staged in 1869. Thereafter, events alternated between the two towns until 1876, when separate associations were established. The Inverell Pastoral and Agricultural Association was formed in 1876, with early shows held on the banks of the Macintyre River behind Colin Ross’s mill. One memorable event featured a footrace between a young lad and lass who dead-heated; urged on by the crowd, they “fought it out,” with the girl emerging the winner. An 11-acre site, now known as Kamilaroi Park, served as the showground until 1917, when the present grounds were secured at the southern end of town.