The Pioneer Valley Show began in 1962, founded by Mr Owen Faux who saw the valley was lacking its own iconic event. Mr Faux raised the idea of establishing a local show in the district at a Finch Hatton and District Progress Association meeting and a special meeting was called to form the Pioneer Valley Agricultural Show Society.

Four years earlier, in 1958, ‘The Plains’ as the grounds were known, were damaged resulting in erosion after severe flooding. Having been used as a sports ground for the local community, the grounds were refurbished and the owner of the Criteron Hotel, Sidney Bagley, donated ‘The Plains’ to the Finch Hatton and District Progress Association.

Beginning with a donated parcel of land which was later donated by the disbanded progress association to the show society, a large band of volunteers from local families were recruited and began organising what is now an annual event.

The first show was held in 1964 on a Saturday and was opened by Mr George Shaw. The first gate takings were approximately $1,790. At the first show there was beef and stuff cattle, horse events, dogs, poultry, a horticultural pavilion and a large cane display.

GROWTH OVER THE YEARS

Word spread about this little show far and wide and the show has grown over the years. Changed to a Sunday in 1972, the show was known for many years as ‘tent city’. The Cattle Creek Mill spurred the local economy and provided many volunteers, materials and equipment to the show movement, assisting in its expansion. It wasn’t until 1978 that the first buildings of cattle yards, poultry pavilion and show ring were constructed.

Beginning in 1980 the first ‘show train’ began and proved very popular amongst patrons until the closure of Cattle Creek Mill in 1990. By the early 1980’s there were 7,000-8,000 patrons attending the show; 1,000 of those travelling by show train. Throughout this time, profits were reinvested into the show facilities as underground watering mains and light towers added to the grounds. The show further evolved in 1983 with the construction of the main show pavilion, after seven years of fundraising, which houses the show office, toilets, hosts show balls and eating facilities on show day.

Throughout the mid 1990’s and early 2000’s, the society decided to reinvigorate the grounds by building 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 a new seating area created for patrons on show day.

YOUR SHOW TODAY

Today 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. A country-orientated fun, family day, our show consistently attracts crowds of over 16,000 people and transforms the small town of Finch Hatton into a sea of colour and excitement.

In 2024, the Pioneer Valley Show will hold its 60th annual show!