The Mighty Mossman show celebrates 65th birthday
Published Thursday 16 June 2016
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The modern Mighty Mossman Show is celebrating its 65th birthday this year having first been presented on Saturday October 5th 1952 at a Mossman Showground that looked very different to what we see today.
The attendance that very first day was 2,750 and the gate takings were 224 pounds. This attendance was enormous taking into consideration that the population of Mossman in those days, according to the 1947 census, was only about 3,000. This meant that almost everyone in the surrounding region must have come along!
It’s interesting to note that this first modern Mossman Show, as we know it, was in fact a revival of a district show from some 50 years earlier. It was revived by a public meeting and it was decided to get the piece of land that we now know as the Showground ready to host the show. Land was flattened and temporary buildings were erected where needed to accommodate the show. A budget of 400 pounds was allocated for land renovations. From our research it would seem the whole community got involved to ensure the showgrounds were prepared to host the first modern Mossman show.
It is this determined community spirit that has ensured the ‘mighty’ Mossman Show will celebrate its 65th birthday and it is this traditional community strength of character that has emerged once again this year to move the show on into the 21st century by mixing a blend of the new whilst maintaining the traditional events to create a show relevant to all ages.
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<link monday-magic-at-mighty-mossman-show.13804.0.html>Monday Magic at Mighty Mossman Show
Through the years, the Mighty Mossman Show has presented the famous, the traditional and the magical performers and participants to complement Twice in the last five years, the world famous Horse Whisperer, Guy McLean, came along to demonstrate his amazing horse control skills.
The traditional wood chopping challenge enthrals the crowds with the fast paced wood cutting skills. Always fascinating and exciting, the equestrian competition offers the opportunity to locals to pit their skills against other regional riders.
This year two amazing performers will be demonstrating their unique skills. Matthew George, the chain saw sculptor and Tim Riley, the famous whip cracker will be a massive draw for the residents of Mossman and surrounding district.The constant through all the years of the Mighty Mossman Show is its appeal to the whole cross section of the Mossman and Douglas Shire population. It proudly presents the traditional skills of the region whilst unashamedly mixing in the modern trends to ensure the next generation hold the show in the same esteem as our founding fathers (and mothers).
This year with many new committee members coming on board to help the existing members, the show organisers are doing their best again to make sure the mighty Mossman Show makes the 24 and 25th July the pinnacle of the Mossman event calendar.
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Online tickets available shortly or email Mossman and District Show Society secretary.mossmanshow@telstra.com for pre orders
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