SHARON Rogers has fond memories of attending the show when she was younger.
Growing up in Chinkapook, she attended the event every year with her parents and five siblings.
“It was a big family day out,” Ms Rogers said.
“We all wore our best clothes and I loved that I got to meet up with other kids at the show.
“As a family, we went to it every year.”
Her parents were heavily involved in the show when she was younger and she has ensured that tradition has continued, with her involvement in the Showgirl and Showboy Competition.
It’s a role she’s been involved with for more than a decade.
The competition is steeped in history and aims to highlight the importance of the show for the younger generation.
Ms Rogers was crowned Miss Showgirl at the Swan Hill show in the early 90s, and went on to represent the district at a regional level.
“At a regional level there were entrants from Mildura and Bendigo,” Ms Rogers said.
In her early teens, Ms Rogers went on to participate in the Miss Victoria pageant.
“These competitions were more about the charity side and fundraising, and it was really rewarding,” she said.
The Showgirl and Showboy competition has evolved over the years.
Ms Rogers said it was not a beauty pageant and was more about developing life skills, in a fun, friendly environment which encouraged family participation.
“It helps to improve self-confidence, develop communication skills, improve presentation skills and it’s a great thing to have on your resume,” Ms Rogers said, noting winning Miss Showgirl was highly regarded within the local community and opened up a number of employment opportunities.
Entries for the competition are taken on the day of the event.
With strong demand, the competition has been extended and now includes categories for those aged under three years of age.
The competition will take place at the Swan Hill Football Netball Clubrooms on Saturday, October 1.
WHAT: Miss Showgirl and Showboy competition
WHEN: Saturday, October 1
WHERE: Swan Hill Football Netball clubrooms
CATEGORIES: Various categories depending on age. Judging for girls aged between one and 12 years of age. Judging for boys aged between one and eight years of age.
TIME: Judging commences at 11am, starting with the younger children.
Entries for Tiny Tot and Pre-Tiny Tot are required by 11am, entries for all other sections are required by 1pm.
