The first full show event since before the COVID-19 pandemic, show secretary Carol Kennedy said more than 1600 people attended the action packed day.
Show president Matt Mueller said while a few attended from outside the local area, helped by the Finley and Surrounding Towns Reunion, many of those enjoying the show were "familiar faces“.
“We did have good numbers, which I guess is because we’ve been locked down for so long,” he said.
“The community wanted to see another event, and so they got around the show committee.
“Several months of hard work goes in to each show, and so I want to thank those who attended and our sponsors.
“Without them, and those volunteers in my committee, the day would just not be possible.”
The 104th Finley Show had all the usual competitions like beef and dairy cattle, sheep, poultry, horse events, utility dog trials and junior show goer.
The pavilion was bursting with photography, handicrafts, art, cooking and flowers, despite some sections having fewer entries than previous years.
Ray Macartney provided live music, and there was also camel rides, Skillzone, Dutch Thunder Wildlife, Old Kentucky Animal Farm, sideshow alley, and the Father’s Day games.
The official opening and grand parade was a popular part of the schedule, where the 2022 Wynne Hawkins Memorial ‘Champion of Champions’ was presented to Closeup Poll Dorset & Suffolk Stud.
Other big awards were as follows:
Joyce Yeo Memorial Most Outstanding Pavilion Exhibit - Christopher Moore; reserve champion Lesley Wilson.
Best Commercial Static Display - Pether Ag.
Best Non-Commercial Static Display - Harry Ferguson Tractor Club.
This year’s lucky gate prize was a three-night stay at Wanganella Cottage, which was won by Martin Bovell.
“There were plenty of highlights from the day, but I guess the biggest was seeing everyone enjoy themselves,” Mr Mueller said.
The next event on the calender for the Finley Show Society is the November rose show, but Mr Mueller said planning for next year’s Finley Show would also start in coming weeks.
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