President of the Whyalla Show Society, Tamy Pond, said the weekend event is family-friendly and an uplifting time for the community.

“It’s something that we can provide for our community,” Pond said.

“They don’t have to travel, and it really brings an uplifting buzz to our town.

“Especially for those that don’t get the opportunity to go out of town for some of those bigger events.”

The gates will open at 10am on Saturday and Sunday, with live music and roving entertainers for the whole family.

Entertainment will include a Whyalla first, the Dinkum Dinosaurs, including the friendly four-metre star, Dillo the Dancing Dinosaur.

Pond said that viewers can expect an interactive show and audience participation.

“There will be a baby dinosaur petting zoo and photo opportunities,” Pond said.

“There is very much a bang for your buck.”

The popular Clydesdale horse and cart will also be returning this year as a free ride after the former business owner Ross Story retired.

“We are very happy to have our Clydesdale ride back, it is absolutely fantastic that we were able to find the new owners of the business,” Pond said.

“Mr Story came to almost every single show until his retirement – there was only one show that we haven’t had the Clydesdale ride at.”

Whyalla Show Society member Andrew Eades, left, and President Tamy Pond, right, with Whyalla City Council’s Manager City Development Jodie Perone, Director City Growth Jade Ballentine and CEO Justin Commons, checking out progress at the show grounds in the lead-up to this weekend’s Whyalla Show. Photo: supplied

There will also be a number of agricultural competitions, set to showcase the best produce and animals that the Whyalla agriculture community has to offer.

Competitors will showcase their best vegetables, flowers, pigeons, poultry, and horses.

According to Pond, the horse competitions are set to be a huge hit and will feature jumping, hacking and dressage competitions.

Not only will there be local animals, but there will be wild critters hitting Whyalla as well.

Eesha the Elephant and Almost Tamed, with their two lions, will be wandering the grounds.

“Until you’re close and the elephant starts dancing, you’re not too sure if it’s real or not,” Pond said.

“We’ve got two cheeky lions and their lion tamer going around causing a bit of mischief and giving everyone a laugh.”

Wrapping up Saturday evening with a bang will be the fireworks, beginning at 8pm.

Mayor Clare McLaughlin said council is pleased to support this annual event for the community and the many visitors that come to enjoy all the Whyalla Show has to offer.

“We want to thank the Whyalla Show Society and all the volunteers who work tirelessly before, during and after the show to ensure that the event is a success,” Mayor McLaughlin said.

“Without their hard work, this event would not be the wonderful weekend that it is.”

Pond expects that there will be around 15,000 visitors over the two days, in line with the average number of visitors prior to pandemic disruptions.

“Ticket sales are looking very good, I think everyone has missed going to the bigger events,” Pond said.

There will be no ticket sales at the gate, tickets must be purchased online or from the Whyalla Show Office on August 19.

You can find more information and the full program on the Whyalla Show Website.