General News
29 July, 2026
Show was a ripper
THE 74th annual Mossman Show, held at the show grounds on 19 and 20 Julys, has once again proven to be a huge success with high attendance and superb weather throughout the whole weekend.
As previously mentioned in the ‘Goss’, last year’s 73rd version of the show was promoted by the organisers as the biggest since its inception in 1952, but it would appear from the positive feedback that this year’s show has gone one better.
Organised by the not-for-profit Mossman and District Show Society, this year’s event certainly didn’t fail to step up, with certain additions to the weekend
One of those new features, launched together with the Douglas Shire Council, was the initiative where visitors were invited to embark on a fun-filled adventure, while discovering some of the fantastic services that help make the Shire a great place to live.
The new Mossman Show Trail is an interactive activity, designed to encourage participants to explore the showgrounds, answer questions and learn about important community programs along the way.
Trail participants visited six engaging locations throughout the showgrounds, including the chicken shed, electric ants stall, Douglas Libraries tent, disaster management sign, Containers for Change stall and the resource recovery tent.
Mayor Scomazzon said “the Mossman Show is one of our region’s most loved community events and this year’s show trail was a fantastic way for families to explore the grounds while learning more about valuable services available in our community”.
“We wanted to create an activity that encourages the community to get involved, ask questions and discover something new at every stop,” she said.
Overall, the event was the perfect celebration of the region’s agricultural industry, showcasing local exhibits and providing family-friendly entertainment.
As always, the Mossman Show brought out a competitive edge with activities that included the popular wood chops, equestrian events, cooking, plus arts and crafts competitions.
As with any traditional agricultural show, a selection of interesting livestock provided great viewing and entertainment, with each aiming to achieve the coveted prize of ‘best in show’.
“Once again regular favourites like the Radical Reptile Show was no doubt popular with both locals and visitors, all keen to learn a little more about the beautiful but often dangerous creatures of this land,” said Mossman and District Show Society secretary Ann Baldwin.
“There are, of course, the more traditional exhibits like the poultry and cattle, plus a chance to view some of the latest farming equipment close up and personal,” she said.
Back this year was ‘Airtime FMX’ motorbike entertainment, delivering captivating and jaw dropping live freestyle motocross across both days of the show.
This year the show welcomed Ranger Nick back, a bush cook guru and weaver of yarns and poetry.
He has been demonstrating camp oven and bush cooking skills professionally since 2010, travelling the country and overseas.
One of my favourite parts of the weekend was, once again, Noah’s Thoroughbred Racing Pigs, providing enjoyment for all ages.
From the bugle race call, through the obstacles, to the last snout in the finishing trough, crowds were once again cheering their preferred pig to the end.
The traditional fairground rides proved as popular as ever and music was very much a part of the weekend, Monday finishing with the live band ‘Careless’.
I’m off for a rest after yet another massive weekend in the Douglas Shire, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
