Bushy Park goes big for 150th Show

Bronwyn Lisson
By Bronwyn Lisson
Tasmanian Country
01 Feb 2025
Bushy park show Mollie Fenton with Charolais bull.

The Bushy Park Show is marking a major milestone this year, celebrating its sesquicentennial on Sunday, February 15. 

Show organisers are gearing up for what they hope will be the biggest event yet, with a target of at least 5000 visitors—an increase on the usual crowd of around 3000. 

With beginnings as a strawberry festival in the 1860s, the event has evolved into an agricultural show that once was a fixture of the New Year’s Day calendar, drawing hundreds of visitors who travelled by train from around the state. 

This year, attendees can expect a full day of entertainment, including wood chopping, equestrian events, and cattle and sheep judging. 

Show vice president Mollie Fenton said this year’s focus was on making the event bigger and better while staying true to its traditions. 

“People have been coming to the show and enjoying what’s on for the last 100 years so we’re just focusing on keeping those main things going that everyone loves,” she said. 

One of the highlights this year is the long-awaited return of the "Polly Peel Off”—a quirky tradition where politicians compete to peel a potato the fastest. 

Live music from local band The Good Fellas will add a lively tone to the day’s events, while Rural Youth will be hosting a ute competition and the dog high jump. 

There will also be a range of local stalls, vintage machinery displays, Eddie Freeman Chainsaw Carving and plenty of food and beverage options. 

Attractions for the younger crowd include free pony rides and face painting. 

Ms Fenton, who will also be overseeing the stud cattle judging at this year’s show, said: “Our show is very different to others, we don’t have all of the big rides – we’re a real community show so it would be great to see it continue,” she said. 

The 150th Bushy Park Show runs from 9am-4pm at Gordon River Rd, Bushy Park.

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