Curtain falls on Illabo Show as we know it

AFTER more than 100 years of agricultural pride, community spirit and country showmanship, the curtain is set to fall on one of the Junee Shire’s longest-running traditions.

This Saturday, October 11, the annual Illabo Show — now in its 103rd year — will be held for the final time as we know it, marking the end of an era that began in 1913, when the first gathering was staged in a local farmer’s paddock.

For generations, the Illabo Show has been the beating heart of its small village community, proudly showcasing the region’s finest livestock, produce, handicrafts and school projects.

From early horse and sheep competitions to the laughter of children clutching showbags, it’s been a day that captured country life in all its colour and camaraderie.

More than 3,000 people walked through the gates last year, making it one of the event’s most successful.

Photo: Illabo Show Society

Photo: Illabo Show Society

But after decades of tireless commitment from a dwindling pool of volunteers, organisers have made the difficult decision to call it a day, with 2025 to mark the final Illabo Show in its current format.

“Saturday, 11 October 2025, will see visitors and exhibitors enjoy the last ever Illabo Show,” the Illabo Show Society said in a statement.

“Due to the enormous amount of work which goes into this one-day event and a lack of active volunteers, the Show Executive made the very tough decision to call last drinks as we know it at this year’s event.”

A farewell celebration to remember

The 2025 Illabo Show as we know it promises to go out in spectacular fashion, with a packed program designed to delight visitors of all ages.

Alongside the traditional horse events, yard dog trials and sheep judging, families can expect sideshows, showbags, livestock competitions, a magician, and bushman’s relays for both primary and high school teams.

Photo: Illabo Show Society

Photo: Illabo Show Society

The animal nursery will keep little ones entertained, while market and food stalls, an outdoor bar, trade displays and the ever-popular Dog Lotto will ensure there’s something for everyone.

You can view the full schedule for the 2025 Illabo Show here.

Photo: Illabo Show Society

Photo: Illabo Show Society

The Illabo pavilion — long the pride of local exhibitors — will once again brim with colour and creativity, from homemade jams and preserves to hand-stitched quilts, children’s artwork and vibrant floral displays.

Locals are encouraged to get involved, with entries due by 10am on Friday, October 10.

Pavilion entries for judging must be delivered by 8:30am Saturday unless otherwise stated in the show schedule. No late entries will be accepted.

Photo: Illabo Show Society

Photo: Illabo Show Society

Photo: Illabo Show Society

At 1pm, the Young Auctioneers will take centre stage to sell the annual lambs in a spirited contest, with the winner earning a coveted place at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Prize money and trophies exceeding $2,000 will be up for grabs.

A special aerial display by the Freedom Formation Team will take flight at 4pm, before the event wraps with its signature fireworks at 8pm — a dazzling tribute to over a century of rural show history.

“This final event in its current format is set to see a fitting end to over 100 years of this small rural community displaying its finest agricultural produce, farming skills, handicrafts and village school projects,” the Show Society said.

Photo: Illabo Show Society

Photo: Illabo Show Society

End of an era

For the people of Illabo, the annual show has been more than just a date on the calendar.

It has been a marker of time, a reunion for neighbours, and a celebration of what it means to belong to a tight-knit rural community.

The decision to bring the show to a close has been met with sadness across the district, with many locals reflecting on fond childhood memories of dusty showgrounds, ribbon-filled displays, and late-night fireworks lighting up the paddocks.

A commemorative book marking the Illabo Show’s 100th anniversary in 2021 — filled with photographs, stories and memories from across the decades — is available to view at the Junee Library.

As the sun sets over the Illabo Showground this Saturday, those fireworks will do more than signal the end of a day. They will mark the close of a proud and cherished chapter in the life of a village that has given so much to the fabric of the Junee Shire.

Entry into the show is free for primary-school-aged children and younger, $20 for adults, and $5 for aged pensioners and high-school students.

For competition entry and category details, contact Nicole Hopkins on 0428 245 455 or email showillabo@gmail.com

You can view the full schedule for the 2025 Illabo Show here.

For more information on the 2025 Illabo Show, visit the Illabo Show Society on Facebook.

Photo: Illabo Show Society