Orange Show

Records indicate the first properly organised Orange Show was held in 1873, though earlier ploughing matches and exhibitions date back to the 1850s. The show was staged at various locations before moving to Wade Park in 1887, and has occupied its present showground since 1908. The 1912 show featured dramatic aviation displays, including Captain Penfold’s balloon ascent and parachute descent, and “Wizard” Stone flying a Bleriot monoplane over the grounds. In 1925, Tom Lynn crashed his aircraft just outside the main gates, adding to the event’s colourful history.