
The Grand Parade at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Drawing over a million visitors annually it is one of the biggest annual events in the world.
An 'Agricultural Show' is a public event showcasing the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with the occupations of
agriculture and
animal husbandry. The largest of these comprise a 'Livestock show' (a judged event or display in which
breeding stock is exhibited) a
trade fair and other competitions and entertainment. The terms ''agricultural show'' and ''livestock show'' are sometimes used synonymously. In addition, the work and practices of
farmers,
animal fanciers,
cowboys and
zoologists may also be on display.
A 'show' is the
Commonwealth term for an annual country
fair.
Overview
While popular in rural England, having origins in the local fair and beast market, the agricultural show has spread to other countries. In
Australia the show is an important part of cultural life. Shows range from small events in small country towns lasting most of one day, through medium-sized events of two or three days, to the all-encompassing 'Royal Shows' in state capitals, which may run for up to two weeks and combine many elements of an
amusement park with those of an agricultural show. Although increasingly under pressure in the modern age due to finances and insurance concerns, all main towns have a Show Society and in some areas, several towns and villages in the same area all have an annual show. Larger shows usually include live entertainment and
fireworks in the main arena.
A distinctive feature of Australian shows is the
showbag, a themed carry bag of commercial goods.

Judging at an agricultural show

Border Leicesters lined up for the judge in Sydney.

The winner of a blue ribbon is escorted on a lap of honour by a steward.

Sides shows and rides are a popular part of the Show.
Competitions that are commonly included in shows include:
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Stud and commercial
livestock
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Cooking
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Jams and
preserves
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Photography
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Wood chopping
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Sheaf tossing
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Show jumping
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Tent pegging
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Wine
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Rodeo
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Arts and crafts
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Horse show
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Dog shows of various types, including
sheepdog trials
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cat show
Field days
A related concept to a show is the 'field day', which is more like a
trade show on machinery, equipment and skills required for broadacre farming. Field days typically do not involve livestock, showbags or
sideshows, but may include events such as
ploughing competitions not usually associated with shows due to the larger space required.
List of Royal Shows
'Australia:'
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Royal Adelaide Show
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Royal Bathurst Show
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Alice Springs Royal Show
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Royal Queensland Show (The Ekka)
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Royal Canberra Show
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Royal Darwin Show
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Royal Hobart Show
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Launceston Royal Show
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Royal Melbourne Show
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Perth Royal Show
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Sydney Royal Easter Show
'Canada:'
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Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
'New Zealand:'
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Auckland Royal Easter Show
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Royal New Zealand Show [1]
'United Kingdom'
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Royal Show -
Stoneleigh,
Warwickshire
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Royal Highland Show - Ingliston,
Edinburgh
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Royal Welsh Show -
Builth Wells, Powys
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Royal Bath and West Show -
Shepton Mallet,
Somerset
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Royal Cornwall Agricultural Show -
Wadebridge,
Cornwall
'Ireland'
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Cloone Agricultural Show
List of other major agricultural and livestock shows
★ Argentina
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La Rural,
Buenos Aires
★ France
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Salon international de l'agriculture de Paris ()
★ New Zealand
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Fieldays,
Wellington,
New Zealand
★ United Kingdom
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Great Yorkshire Show -
Harrogate,
North Yorkshire
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Monmouth Show -
Monmouth,
Monmouthshire
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★ The East of England Show -
Peterborough,
Cambridgeshire
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North Devon Show
★ United States
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American Royal -
Kansas City, Missouri
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National Western Stock Show -
Denver, Colorado (Largest in the world)
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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo -
Houston, Texas
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Pennsylvania Farm Show -
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo -
San Antonio, Texas
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Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo -
Fort Worth, Texas
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North American International Livestock Exposition -
Louisville, Kentucky