As Finley’s longest running volunteer-run event, the annual show has been the place to spend Father’s Day for the last 40 years, and 2026 will be no different.
There’s so much on offer this year, events have been spread over two days.
While the main event is still Sunday, some competitions will be hosted Saturday afternoon.
Your show ticket will cover both days.
Saturday afternoon’s events include the beef cattle junior handler and junior judging from 12.30pm, and the Heifer Bonanza at 4.30pm.
On Sunday, gates open at 6am Sunday for the truly keen show goer, and there will be plenty to keep everyone entertained throughout the day.
Off the back of their Australian championship, the Conargo Whipcrackers will be showcasing their raw skill, world-class speed and outback artistry in performances that you won’t want to miss.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you enjoy the show from the different perspective with free camel rides around the grounds.
And you won’t want to leave without stopping by Cheeky Smiles Face Painting for a colourful design.
Also not to be missed is the always popular free cupcake decorating with the Finley Bakery at noon in the Main Pavilion, which is a hit with the young and old.
There will be animals galore with Tiny Tails Wildlife Discovery showcasing Australian wildlife from lizards and snakes to marsupials and arachnids. Plus, there’ll be cute and cuddly animals in the animal nursery.
And of course, there’s the usual horse, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and pavilion events to look at and watch, as well as machinery displays, and vintage cars and tractors, as well as a Furphy display.
Unfortunately, poultry events were cancelled as a precaution due to the current avian influenza outbreak.
Junior Showgoer judging will be from 10.30am on the lawn near the Bob Close Pavilion, where a Lady of the Day and Father of the Day will also be picked from the crowd. So make sure you’re dressed to impress the judges.
Not to be missed in the afternoon is the Wynne Hawkins Memorial Champion of Champions at 2pm, followed by the official opening and grand parade at 2.30pm.
Opening the show this year is 2025 Finley Show Personality Robyn O’Leary, who was scheduled to open the show last year before it was called off due to rain.
This year she finally gets her chance to cut the metaphorical ribbon.
The Berriquin Community Toy Library is hosting the annual show day raffle, with some great prizes up for grabs.
There will also be plenty of food to treat yourself with, including coffee, ice cream, twist potatoes, smoked barbecue, cheesecake, loaded spuds, iced matcha lattes and nachos and tacos, as well at the Little Athletics barbecue and the Murray Hut CWA luncheon in the pavilion.
And if you’ve left your Father’s Day gift until the 11th hour, or just want to treat yourself, other vendors will be selling apparel, knick-knacks, handmade clothing, plaster paint kits, honey, flowers and plants, personalised western hats, and the all-important showbags.
Those attending the show will have the chance to win a $350 Whitton Malt House voucher, just be sure to fill in your lucky gate ticket and put it in the box at the secretary’s office or main pavilion before 2pm. The winner will be drawn during the official opening.
And don’t worry, there’s still time to finalise your entries for the show competitions.
Entries can be submitted via Showday Online, but help is also available at the show office on the showgrounds, which is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm.
Fleece and schoolwork entries are due by 4.30pm today (September 2). Photography and literature entries are due by 4.30pm Thursday, September 3.
Entries for the remaining pavilion sections close online at 9pm on Friday, September 4, with exhibits due in the pavilion by noon Saturday. Horse and livestock entries close at 11.59pm Friday.
Not surprisingly, Finley is competing in football finals on the weekend, and the Show Committee wishes the Finley Football Club reserves the best of luck and hope to see them celebrating their win at the show.
The show gates will be manned from noon Saturday, with entry covering both days.
Adult tickets are $15, children (6-17 years) are $5, children under 5 get in free, and an aged pension or companion ticket is $10. A family pass for two adults and children up to the age of 17 is $40.
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