THE Rosewood Show has been the event that has brought families together for many years where local Horticulture and Agriculture displays are showcased for all to enjoy.
Pat Lenihan has been involved in the Show every year for 63 years and has held roles on the committee, has been an active member and has passed his extensive knowledge and passion down to the next generation, and the next.
His children and their partners, his wife and his grandchildren all look forward to the annual show, where together they spend months preparing for the early starts and the hours of volunteer service that enable the gates to open to families so they too can enjoy the show.
Pat said that over the years there have been many families who have worked tirelessly to contribute to maintaining the showgrounds and the main ring, to setting up for the big event and to volunteering during the events to make the Show such a big success.
“In the old days, the Show was the biggest event in Rosewood for the year.
“Families travelled from all over the countryside and if you were scheduled to work on the day, the boss knew that the Show was the place to be so often the boss would just give you the day off,” he said.
And there was always a special atmosphere at the grounds as the community geared up for the Show.
“The men would participate in the manual set up and work hard to prepare the main ring, their wives would cook and prepare the food for the day bringing homemade goodies to share, as children would play and make adventures.
“Now most of the older generations have either passed away or have taken a step back from the manual work, so the next generation of these families have stepped in to keep the tradition going.
“You will still find me in the main ring as a Horse Steward.
“I am one of the first to arrive to direct all of the horse owners to their parking spots and I thoroughly enjoy still being able to be active.”
The horse events this year are set to impress with a huge number of nominations in all classes and sections in the schedule and the McGeary Challenge is back, a popular show stopper for all families to enjoy.
“The McGeary Challenge is just one example of an event that is named after an old-time volunteer remembered for his remarkable contribution to the show,” Pat said.
“This event is so popular not only because of the excitement of watching the competitors compete, but because of who it is named after – Gordon McGeary was a remarkable man and his contribution made such a difference.”
Pat says he remembers many remarkable volunteers.
“I recall all of the volunteers from the first day to now – Clive Claus, Darcy Potts and Roy Kerle – are just a few amongst many amazing people I have had the honour to work alongside over the years.”
And he championed every volunteer and every supporter who helped make the Show happen.
The most experienced and elite competitors will be on Show in the main ring, all dressed and prepared to perfection and if they are successful in Rosewood they will go on to compete in the Brisbane Exhibition, the Sydney Royal and the Melbourne Show.
“The dog show will go ahead, agriculture, horticulture, poultry, horses, cattle, needlework, fine arts, photography, cooking, a rodeo and the famous dog jumping event are just some of the main highlights this year, so come along and be part of the event that brings people together.”
