The Bendigo Agricultural Show Society was founded in 1859 and has conducted an annual spring show every year since (excepting during World War 2).

The Agricultural Show Society is proud of its history and has been a major player in the community providing facilities for user groups within the Bendigo region and hosting National events.

History

In February 1859, exactly four and a half years after the sale of the first surveyed farm lots in Bendigo District the following notice appeared on the front page of the Bendigo Advertiser:

The Bendigo Horticultural and Agricultural Society
Tuesday Oct. 15th 1859
A meeting will take place at the Shamrock Hotel Sandhurst this day at 4 O’clock pm when the Provisional Committee and all others interested in the undertaking are earnestly requested to attend.

Jas W Townsend
Hon. Sec. Pro-tem

The first “prize” shows were held in the autumn from 1854 to 1859, this was to be the forerunner of our present Bendigo Agricultural Show Society Inc.

The first President, Dr. Rowe, born in Aintree England came to Australia in 1834 as a surgeon on the ship “Isabella”. The first competition activity of the new Society was a ploughing match on June 15th 1859, this was to be held at Lockwood, on land between the Queen’s Head and Argyle Hotels; the land being marked out in half acre blocks. The Show Girl was also present in a flowing riding habit and riding sidesaddle, many competed for Belle of the Ball that night.

It is from these early beginnings that our present society emerged. We now have a two day show- two days of Cattle- Beef, Sheep, Pigs, Alpaca, Goats, Poultry, Caged Birds, Dogs, Cats. Horticulture- flowers, Floral Art, fruit and vegetable, Home industries- Cooking, Needlework, Knitting, Art and Craft, Photography, and School Projects. We have a two-day show for the horses, which include- Clydesdales, Arabians, Ridden and Led classes, Show jumping, miniature horses, harness horses, pony club and novelty events.

In the past 163 years we have had 47 Presidents and 16 Secretaries, this show has grown and prospered. The present day venue “The Prince of Wales Showgrounds” opened in 1968 and is a far cry from the small “Prize Show” held in Pall Mall.