About us
from small beginnings
Where it all began
The Pioneer Valley Show began in 1962, founded by Mr Owen Faux, who recognised the need for a signature event to bring the valley community together. Mr Faux first proposed the idea of a local show at a meeting of the Finch Hatton and District Progress Association, which soon led to a special gathering to establish the Pioneer Valley Agricultural Show Society.
Just a few years earlier, in 1958, the showgrounds — then known as “The Plains” — had suffered significant erosion following severe flooding. Once a well-used community sports ground, the site was restored, and Sidney Bagley, owner of the Criterion Hotel, donated the land to the Finch Hatton and District Progress Association. With this donated parcel of land — later passed on to the newly formed show society — a strong team of volunteers from local families came together to organise what would become a beloved annual tradition.
The first Pioneer Valley Show was held in 1964, opened by Mr George Shaw, and attracted gate takings of approximately $1,790. The inaugural program featured beef and stud cattle, horse events, dogs, poultry, a horticultural pavilion, and a large sugarcane display — setting the foundation for the vibrant rural show the community celebrates today.
A beloved annual tradition.
A vibrant rural show to celebrate.
over the years
Our Growth
What began as a small local gathering quickly grew into a much-loved annual event. After moving to a Sunday in 1972, the show earned the nickname “tent city”, thanks to the bustling atmosphere that spread across the grounds. The Cattle Creek Mill played a vital role in supporting the show’s early growth—providing volunteers, materials, and equipment that helped the event expand year after year.
In 1978, the first permanent structures were built, including the cattle yards, poultry pavilion, and show ring. Two years later, the very first Show Train arrived in 1980, becoming an immediate hit with visitors and running until the mill’s closure in 1990.
By the early 1980s, the show was attracting 7,000–8,000 people, with around 1,000 patrons arriving by train. Continuous reinvestment during this period saw the installation of underground watering mains and new light towers to improve the facilities.
A major milestone came in 1983 with the opening of the Main Show Pavilion. Completed after seven years of dedicated fundraising, it became the heart of the event—housing the show office, amenities, eating areas, and even hosting the grand show balls.
Through the mid-1990s and early 2000s, the grounds underwent further transformation with the addition of a new horticultural pavilion, workshop, stud cattle shed, caged bird shed, trade shed, toilet blocks, and seating. In 2005–06, the bar was refurbished and new patron seating was added.
your show today
An iconic community event
Today, the Pioneer Valley Show is an iconic community event—celebrated across Queensland and recognised by patrons, exhibitors, entertainers, and fellow show societies as the best one-day show in Australia.
This vibrant, country-style family day attracts over 16,000 visitors and transforms the small town of Finch Hatton into a spectacular sea of colour, entertainment, livestock, displays, food, and excitement.
In 2025, the Pioneer Valley Show proudly celebrates its 61st Annual Show.
2025 Show Committee
President – Norman Drew
Secretary – Martina Bennett
Treasurer – Nicole White
Vice President- Christopher Peoples
Jnr Vice President – Bonnie McGregor
Jnr Vice President- Kristanne Daly
Marketing + Comms – Jacqui Wells
Groundsman – Gavin Smith
The Committee are grateful of the banded community and non-for-profits for their continues support with show preparations, ground maintenance and sections wich without their contributions the show should not be the success it is today.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
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The Pioneer Valley Show is an iconic event in the community, widely regarded by fellow shows, patrons, exhibitors, site holders and entertainers throughout as the best one day show in Australia.
The Pioneer Valley Agricultrual Show Society Inc. of QLD acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and waters on which we meet. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.