Hey-ho, all come to the Show!
STILTWALKERS, jugglers and clowns. Horses, beef and dairy cattle. Goats, sheep and poultry. Working dogs and fancy cats. Showgirl and Showboy. Farming, gardening, cooking and eating. Music all day long.
The North Coast National (October 18-20) is gearing up to reflect our community back to itself, in all our glorious diversity, colour, skills and arts.
A big turnout is expected this year. Membership spiked when Show Society president John Gibson called for community support, after the decision was taken to decline sponsorship from CSG-mining company, Metgasco.
"We're still counting on numbers coming through the gate to make up the shortfall," John told The Echo at a pre-show launch last week.
"But we took the decision (to decline Metgasco's offer of $15,000) trusting we'd get support from the community."
There really will be something for everyone, from a sustainability expo to a monster truck show; a woodchopping competition to a distillation of Northern Rivers culture in music, art and craft.
Lismore City Council will present a display with interactive actvities, prizes and information sessions. There's a chance to meet with the councillors at a morning tea on Thursday at 10.30am.
This year's theme celebrates the Year of the Farmer. Sustainability Alley will present hour-long practical workshops each day, all day, as well as stalls, competitions, a fact-finding treasure hunt, and a biochar pizza oven.
There's a continuous program of music planned for the three days of the show, with hillbilly, country, rock and reggae, dance and DJs, community- and school-based performances. On Thursday night, a special Dolphin Awards showcase will be presented by the North Coast Entertainment Industry Association.
Headliners for the main stage include The Re-Mains, Somerville and Wilson, and OKA (on Friday from 7.25), and Substation, Clint Crighton, Diana Anaid and Fat City Strut (Saturday from 7.45pm) And there'll be fireworks, every night around 8.30pm.
The 2012 North Coast National starts up at the Lismore Showground next Thursday, October 18. It will all be in full swing from 9am till late at night. Gates shut at 9pm each night but the music plays on. The Grand Parade is on Saturday at 1.30pm in the main arena.
Family three-day passes are only $60. Phone 6621 5962 or go to www. northcoastnational.com.au.
