Parkes Show

The first Parkes Show was staged in 1880 under the guidance of Thomas Tom, the first president. One of his direct descendants, Mr Peter Tom, is currently an active member of the Committee. Major transformation of the Showground took place in 1966 with the complete levelling of the arena, made possible through the acquisition of a $20,000 grant from the Lands Department. The arena floodlighting equipment was installed in 1967, the result of an appeal in the town and district which realised $12,000. For promotional purposes, Parkes has adopted the slogan, "The Greatest Show West of the Blue Mountains".