Families from across Perth’s southern suburbs gathered at the Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds last weekend for the 115th Canning Show.
The two-day event, split between three sessions, attracted just over 15,000 attendees.
Organised by the not-for-profit Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society, the Canning Show runs at a loss each year, but by giving back to diverse communities through education, inspiration, entertainment, showcasing local talent, and spreading joy, “we are doing what we strive to,” event organisers said.
David Russell, CEO of the Canning Agricultural, Horticultural, and Recreational Society, believes this year’s show was a tremendous success, and all planned activities went smoothly.
“The array of exhibitions from local talent in our three main Show Halls was outstanding. The grounds were filled with happy smiling faces, and the atmosphere was vibrant, filled with enthusiasm,” he said.
“The weather certainly helped, as we had beautiful cool sunny days and just a slight shower on Saturday evening after the Dangerous Delights performance.”
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the popular Bertie Beetle Showbag was back, delighting attendees of all ages.
With a pro wrestling exhibition match, markets and exhibition stalls, activities with the Hot Shots Table Tennis Club, live performances from roving entertainers, a silent disco, and a petting zoo, there was something for everyone at the Canning Show.
Russell said a personal highlight for him was the kids’ stay-and-play area, where dozens of children entertained themselves in the sandpit and on the new wooden train, but the attractions on the main stage were clearly fan favourites.
“Apart from the huge Westfield Carousel fireworks display and main stage entertainment such as Evolve and Magic Dale, Explosive Pro Wrestling entertained the Show goers with new entertainment and introduced a vibrant type of activity that drew big crowds,” he said.
“Personally, I loved seeing the community come together, especially during workshops like the Bunnings Hammer barn and the Community Harvest pasta making and tasting.”
Over 140 volunteers committed more than 1,000 hours of work in various roles, including bump-in, judging, stewarding, attending, and photography, contributing to the smooth operation of the event.
Russell said the show wouldn’t have been as successful without them and expressed a huge thank you to everyone involved with the event.
“I’d just like to express my gratitude to everyone involved, from the volunteers, staff, management committee, to the sponsors and attendees,” he said.
“It truly takes a village to make an event like this happen, and I’m already looking forward to next year.”
