Just shy of an historic birthday, the Queanbeyan Show is preparing for its “biggest and best one” yet – including a guest appearance from some childhood favourites.

Committee vice-president Brent Hunter and fellow volunteers are working on preparing the schedule.

“We have a dedicated group of volunteers that work through the year,” he said.

“We’re well placed to deliver a great show … We’re confident it will be the biggest and best one yet.”

He told Region this year’s two-day show would be packed with returning favourites and new activities.

The Freestyle Kings, sponsored by TeamMoto, will bring their breathtaking stunts to the event.

“That’s going to be a really exciting show,” he said.

“We’ve had freestyle motocross before, but this is next level … It’s going to be an unreal event that people get to see.”

For the first time, the Band of the Royal Military College from Duntroon will perform, while youngsters will be entertained by some special guests as Elmo and Cookie Monster travel all the way from Sesame Street.

They’ll join the dagwood dogs, showbags, pavilion displays and other traditional events that show attendees know and love.

The DockDog national titles will also make their return, hosted by Farmer Dave.

While the show’s 130th birthday is approaching, Mr Hunter said the appeal of an agricultural show hasn’t faded in Queanbeyan.

“While Queanbeyan has evolved into a much larger city – it’s a different place to what it was when they first started the show – but people still love these events,” he said.

“They’re quintessential Australian things … and that’s something we really like to bring to people here in the city.”

Mr Hunter says that while it’s a lot of work preparing for the show, it’s worth it. Photos: Nomad Captures.

He said it was worth remembering the region’s agricultural history, pointing to his family history of potato farmers and orchardists.

“I think somewhere along the line, everyone in the committee has had a touchpoint with that agricultural lifestyle, and we like to bring those flavours into the show as well.”

It’s a passion he’s hopeful will be passed to the next generation.

“It’s a good way for city kids to interact with livestock and animals that they may not normally see in their day-to-day lives,” Mr Hunter said.

“It’s a good way for them to understand how food gets from the paddock to the plate.”

Mr Hunter said the committee had aimed to keep ticket costs “as low as we can”.

“Something we really value is the fact that you don’t have to break the bank to come to the Queanbeyan Show.

“We’re in a cost of living crisis at the moment – what we’re seeing is that it’s a really good way for families to have a day out and not have to worry about how they’re going to pay for it.”

Family tickets cost $50, child tickets cost $10 (kids six and under have free entry), while adult tickets come in at $18.

The 2026 Queanbeyan Show will be held on 7 and 8 November, at the Queanbeyan Showgrounds on Glebe Avenue.

Tickets are available at the gate.

Original Article published by Claire Sams on About Regional.