The buzz in the Huon Valley; show day is nearly here.
This an indication that summer is only weeks away, and Christmas is not far off.
Lisa Plohl has both on her to do list – enough to make most people run for the hills.
But as president of the Huon Agricultural Society (HAS), she is more than competent at achieving huge aims.
There’s a legacy that comes with putting together a beloved community event that has been running since 1947.
Lisa isn’t fazed – she’s been president of the HAS for six years, and has a secret weapon.
“I have a very, very awesome committee,” she said.
“And they all take care of their own things.” The committee has about 11 people on board, but there is room for more.
“We’ve still got vacancies, so we’re always looking for people to come onboard,” she said hopefully.
While the genders are evenly split on the committee, there is an all-female executive committee that is known to be a powerhouse.
Although the Huon Show had a two-year pandemic-gap a few years ago, the HAS did not.
They continued ticking along in the back-ground, keeping up committee and community engagements, and biding their time.
And now?
“We’re back on track,” says Lisa firmly. “If it’s a nice day on the 15th, we’re hoping to get at least 13,000 people.”
The Huon News does some quick maths -that’s about 1,500 people an hour.
The weather is always a wildcard factor and plays a big role in attendance numbers, and in addition to this, The Wiggles will be onstage in Glenorchy.
The HAS is not bothered – this is their 80th year of operation; Wiggles come and Wiggles go.
The Huon Show has not remained unaltered over time, it has changed to reflect the differences that have occurred in the local community.
“There used to be very big farms, in days gone by – you went to your Agricultural Shows because it was very important that your animals were recognised,” Lisa said.
“We used to always run a fat cattle sale on show day, but those things have changed.
“All those big farms have been broken up into little hobby farms – they might get half a dozen sheep or so; it’s now about tapping in to those smaller people.”
The planning for the show begins each March, talking about the budget.
Lisa groans.
“We are not-for-profit – we’re all volunteers and we rely heavily on sponsorship, which is something we make a really big effort to get. “We also maintain all the buildings and upgrades and things like that, so we seek state and local government funding.”
While the show has its roots in agriculture, the thrills of rides and showbags are a given.
What is the ratio of agriculture to amusements?
“Definitely not 50/50,” said Lisa emphatically. There is a conscious decision to have more agriculture – lots of competitions, show-jumping, a full equestrian program, dog high-jump, an animal nursery, wood chopping, dog shows…
and what Lisa describes as ‘an absolutely bumper poultry pavilion.
There is the involvement of all the schools in the district, with the theme this year of ‘Animals on the Farm’.
Children can enter craft, art, cooking, art-from-trash, and photography on this theme and exhibit their work, which will be judged on Friday, November 14.
In the week leading up to the big day there are up to 40 volunteers onsite – on the day itself they will number around 200.
Lisa Plohl takes a week off from her paid job either side of the show, and will be onsite every day, setting up, coordinating volunteers and dealing with logistics.
What is her favourite part?
“We did it last year, and this year we’re bringing it back.
“We’ve actually laid claim to the State Hobby Horse Championships – because everyone wants a hobby horse!”
There are awards for the best decorated hobby horse, hobby horse showjumping and obstacle course – champions from each section are eligible for the title of Huon Show 2025 Hobby Horse Grand Champion.
Giddy up!
IMAGE: Huon Agricultural Society president Lisa Plohl, who manages to stay on top of everything. (PS)
