The Deniliquin Pastoral and Agricultural Show is powering ahead, with organisers preparing to open the Pavilion on Friday evening as a soft launch to the 2026 show weekend.
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The Pavilion will open to the public from 4pm, giving visitors an early chance to view this year’s exhibitions.
From 6pm, sponsors and volunteers will gather for the official opening of the show, where pavilion results will be announced and trophies presented.
It will also mark the first official address from the new president, Ayla Nganeko-Begg, who says she is looking forward to welcoming the show community.
“We would love the opportunity to share our excitement with the public, our sponsors, and our valued volunteers and start our weekend off with a moment to connect before the fun begins,” Show President Ayla Nganeko-Begg said.
Organisers are hoping for a strong turnout from the show’s extended family of volunteers, supporters and exhibitors.
A special presentation is planned for the evening, with a long‑serving volunteer to be awarded life membership. The committee says the night is as much about connection as celebration, and they hope to see many familiar faces in attendance.
A major focus for this year’s show is encouraging more people to enter the Pavilion, particularly those who may feel hesitant.
Organisers say the most common concern they hear is that entries “aren’t good enough for the show”, a belief they are eager to dispel.
“Not every tomato sauce recipe may be a winner, but every attempt builds towards a chance at taking out the title in any section,” Ayla Nganeko-Begg said.
“People might be surprised, and wouldn’t a first‑place certificate be the ultimate bragging rights?
“If you’re not sure what section to enter, bring it down and we can help you find the right one.”
Several sections have been broadened this year, including photography, which now features a preschool category aimed at encouraging the youngest entrants to explore the craft.
The show is also urging the region’s farming community to enter animals in the outdoor sections, particularly beef cattle. The secretary said the livestock displays are a vital part of the show’s identity and a tribute to the region’s resilience.
“Coming from a dairy family myself, I appreciate the time and effort that goes into raising and caring for these animals,” Show President Ayla Nganeko-Begg said.
“They’re a testament to the skill and dedication of our farmers.
“I would love to see every pen in every pavilion filled with the animals our region pours their heart into through flood and drought, rain and shine. Who doesn’t want to cuddle a cow?”
The committee is also celebrating the achievements of steward Linda Maher, who recently showcased her work at the Melbourne Show and took home several prizes.
She is expected to display her award‑winning work again this year and is known for encouraging new entrants and offering thoughtful advice.
Her success is a timely reminder of the talent nurtured within the Deniliquin show community.
Linda Maher with awards.
The show will include the classic show events in the morning such as Merino Sheep and Meat and dual, and horse ring events from 9am, Beef and Dairy Cattle, Tiny Tots and junior show girl and boy from 9.30am, Wool classes, Camel rides, petting zoo and face painting from 10am and shearing and wool handlers from 11am before the giant pumpkin weigh-in at noon.
Equestrian events and pavilion arts and crafts run throughout the day before the Dog Show and jump from 4pm, the Carp Throwing from 5pm.
There will also be plenty of action on the Saturday night with the demolition derby also returning to the Deni Show this year from 6.30pm before the fireworks at 9pm.
Online entries for pavilion start closing on Wednesday, March 4 with a majority closing on Thursday, March 5 as laid for each section on the Deni Show website https://deniliquinshow.com.au/.
Exhibits for the pavilion would be expected to be dropped in by these dates and each section is slightly different, so read the requirements closely.
The Arts and Crafts pavilion theme this year is Australiana.
The Deni Show also have a new class in the Fine Art section this year, Class 355 - Cultural Art open to all mediums.
Other pavilion sections include: Fine Arts, Farm and Garden, Floral Art (including Junior), Food and Cookery, Handcrafting, Horticulture, Jams and Sauces, Junior Hobby and Art, Junior and Teen Cookery, Make, Bake and Grow, Needlework and Junior Needlework, Patchwork and Quilting, Photography and Rice and Wool Craft.
Entries are also still open for drivers for the demo derby, and the Deni Show society can even help you source a car if you’re interested in giving it a go.
There is prize money on offer in the demo derby of $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for the third place finisher and if you have any questions or help call Brad Holmberg on 0458 024 633 or Paul Osmond on 0488 950 450.
If you’re interested in entering something in the show or take part in the demo derby register online via Showday Online and go tohttps://showday.online/show/deniliquin.
Anyone interested in entering something into the show can also read the schedule on the website for the most up-to-date information about all entries and judging times which are detailed at: https://deniliquinshow.com.au/schedule/.
The Deniliquin Show society will also have teams at Deniliquin’s show facilities at Memorial Park on show week in the first week of March to help everyone enter.
Entry to the Show is set to be $20 for adults and $5 for children from 5 to 18 years old.
There are also family packages for two adults and two children for $40 and concession is $15 while children under 5 years old receive free entry.
Tickets are available at My Shop and Deniliquin Jewellers for February 2026.
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