District Exhibit Competition History

The District Exhibits are an iconic feature of Show – today taking the form of enormous pictorial displays made of fresh produce that highlight a message or theme. The tradition dates to 1900 when the competition formally began, but the idea originated much earlier.

In 1876 the RAS Council resolved to set apart three areas or ‘courts’ in the Prince Alfred Exhibition Hall at the Society’s Prince Alfred Park Showground for joint displays from country societies located in the principal divisions of the colony. The courts’ displays were non-competitive, however.

Then, during the late 1880s and 1890s, collections of farm produce were judged, with individuals, businesses and agricultural societies all competing against each other. ‘One farm’ competitions were also popular around this time, whereby produce originating from one property was judged – a real test of diverse farming skills.

Inevitably, aspects of all these early produce exhibits coalesced, and the idea of country societies banding together into districts to compete against each other, took hold. In 1899, the RAS secretary, Fredrick Webster, made the first practical moves, visiting regional centres to discuss organisational issues. With interest assured, the inaugural District Exhibits competition was scheduled for the 1900 Show. Competition has been continuous ever since.

For Frederick Webster, the great advantage of the competition was that:

...[M]etropolitan manufacturers, exporters and wholesale merchants, who know little or nothing of the abundant products of the country, will become familiar with the specific capabilities of each district, following which the enterprise and industry of producers will be stimulated and rewarded accordingly.

The names and numbers of participating regions changed over the years but the first ‘courts’ to compete were Clarence, Central New England, Grenfell, Mudgee, Nepean, Orange and Tumut. The current five districts are Western, Northern, South-East Queensland, and Southern & Central.

A Barometer of the Times

The types and the quality of products displayed have varied, reflecting dominant weather conditions, developments in agricultural science and even the state of the economy. When money is tight more grains are likely to be used as they are cheaper than fruit and vegetables. Many varieties have disappeared (for example, the number of pumpkin varieties has halved), but changes in eating habits and demand means that their place has been taken by fashionable new fruits and vegetables which our grandmothers would not recognise.

Though functioning as a commercial showcase, the Exhibits, with their colourful abundance, have always been about artistry too. From the 1960s professional designers lent their expertise to the spectacle and displays began to be arranged around central themes. The themes themselves say much about the evolving concerns of rural Australians. In fruits and vegetables, in wool and grain, important events and anniversaries have been celebrated; social messages have become common; the adversity of drought and fire, the bounty of rain, the spirit of the land and the resilience of those who work it – have all been illustrated. 

A Mighty Effort

The cooperative effort which goes into mounting each display is astonishing. In the old days of horse and cart and bad roads, just getting produce to Sydney was a major challenge. In some instances, transport by steamship was the best option.

Today, each court uses over 10,000 pieces of fresh produce for the displays, which can take over a week to set up. Even the judging is a herculean task with more than 50 judges participating over five days.  The total of points awarded now is 10,000. That is: 9,000 for the quality of the produce; and 1,000 for the display. Prizes are awarded for 1st – 5th place in produce, and 1st – 3rd place in display.

Perpetual Trophies

Ten perpetual trophies are currently awarded for District Exhibits, the premier of them being the magnificent District Shield. The Shield was first awarded in 1911, making it the oldest perpetual trophy in the RAS collection. Three unofficial novelty trophies are traditionally also awarded: the Pumpkin-Bowling Trophy, the Beer Can Trophy and the Pig’s Trotter Cup.

Timeline