Champion of Champions went to Golden Rose Charolais' Murray Van der Drift and Erin Ferguson, pictured with judges and members of the Hawkins family. Photo by Ellen Bouwman)
Despite a much-needed drop of rain, nothing could dampen the excitement for the 107th Finley Show on Sunday.
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Although noon rain caused the cancellation of the grand parade and official opening, the re-working of the ‘Champion of Champions’, and a large portion of the crowd to head home early, the committee of the Finley Show Society is very happy with how the day panned out.
“A lot of people were coming through the gate earlier than normal and still managed to enjoy the show before the rain set in at lunchtime,” said Finley Show president Kevin Sexton.
“We were very happy with gate takings, which were only just under the average of recent years, so we’re very pleased with how the event turned out considering the weather.”
The main pavilion was the place to be to escape the wet weather, with Finley High School taking out the Joyce Yeo Memorial Pavilion Award for Most Outstanding Pavilion Exhibit, and Kim Whitten runner-up.
Finley High School also walked away with the Best Non-Commercial Static Display, and Best Commercial Static Display went to Pether Ag.
Even though the Wynne Hawkin’s Memorial ‘Champion of Champions’ was missing the usual fanfare and onlookers enjoying the competition, judges were still able to judge and compare the supreme champions from all around the ground.
The Supreme Beef Exhibit of Show, Golden Rose Charolais’ Clarinda Duty Maid, also walked away with the Champion of Champions sash.
Earlier in the day, Rosie Steel was named the 2025 Finley Young Woman.
Currently completing her HSC at Finley High School, Rosie is planning to study ag science at CSU to become an agronomist.
She will now go on to represent Finley at the Zone 7 Final in Ganmain in January next year.
Meanwhile, all the Junior Showgoers were dressed for a day at a wet spring show, and although entry numbers were down it was still tough competition for the judges (see page 7 for results).
During the proceedings, Lady of the Day and Father of the Day were also chosen from the crowed.
Finley’s 1993 showgirl, Jacinta Little, took home another sash as Lady of the Day, and Brad Gatty was extra spoilt as Father of the Day.
Both were enjoying the day with their families.
Between showers of rain, attendees were able to enjoy performances by Lachie Cosser the Outback Stockman, free carriage rides with Colonial Clydesdales & Carriages, and free face painting with Cheeky Smiles Face Painting, all supported by Finley Solar Farm.
Finley Bakery’s free cupcake decorating in the main pavilion was also as popular as ever.
Deniliquin’s Anthony Michael won the lucky gate prize - a $350 Whitton Malt House voucher. It was the cherry on top of his day as a steward and exhibitor in the dairy shed.
“We thank all the sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, and attendees for supporting this year’s show, especially given the weather, and we’re already looking ahead to the first Sunday in September in 2026,” Mr Sexton said.
During clean-up on Monday, straw from the sheep and cattle pavilions, and horse stables, were raked out and is now available for locals to collect for their gardens.
Lady of the Day Jacinta Little with her parents Lyn and Leo Little.
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