GLAMOUR came to Marburg when the town held its annual Show Ball, recently.
Sue Kunde is Marburg Show secretary and treasurer and her role is to ensure the event happens with the same level of excitement and expertise it has104 times before.
The judges chose Rosie Kerle-Strong as the Show Queen, Cody Mohr as the Junior Male, Nellie Kerle-Strong as the Junior Princess, Franklin Kerle-Strong as the Junior Prince, Imelda Fanning and the Show Matron and Ennio Mresco as the Senior Male.
Sue assisted with Show Balls for three years before taking over completely in her role as show secretary.
The judges this year were Cr David Martin, Cr Jim Madden and Macuschla Wilkins-Lenihan.
“Entrants are judged while mingling and walking around,” Sue said.
“There were no Rural Ambassador or Showgirl entrants, so there was no need for the judges to ask questions as a panel before the event started.
“Our Showgirl and Rural Ambassador titles are fading because the young ones don’t seem to be interested in entering anymore.
“We probably won’t have some of the younger categories next year because there were no entrants in the Senior Prince and Senior Princess categories either.
“It’s disappointing but I think it’s because there’s no high school in Marburg, only a junior school, and these events tend to feed off the schools.”
Music and dance is a key part of the Show Ball and there are some who follow the path of Show Balls, rocking up, frocking up and dancing to old time music.
The band this year was the Diamonds and after a high tea dinner people took to the dance floor.
“We use different bands at our events. We have a dance once a month on a Friday night and decided which to hire for the Show Ball from that,” she said.
“Some of the ladies who follow Show Balls came to ours.
“They’re very dedicated and wear a different outfit to each one to try and win it.”
A Show Queen who was crowned two years ago was at the event.
“Alice Sippel was sashed as Show Queen this year because she was the 2023 winner and we didn’t have a show ball in 2024,” Sue said.
“There were around 70 guests.”
Show Balls are events that give attendees the opportunity to dress up in their finery.
As fashion trends change, so do ensembles worn by entrants and guests.
“What people wear has changed over the years. Earlier on, people covered up more with sleeves and a wrap over the shoulders,” she said.
“Today’s fashions show off legs and arms are often bare, it’s still tasteful and elegant but different to what was expected all those years ago.”
