with John Killen , Past President , Richmond Rotary Club

The Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association moved from the Hawkesbury Race Course to it ’ s current site in 1987 .

In 1988 , the Rotary Club of Richmond involvement began with catering : we occupied a converted and restored caravan outfitted to supply food and drinks , fully staffed by Rotarians and

Rotaryannes , wives for Rotarians .

It was soon apparent that the caravan was inadequate , and plans were put into motion to build a kiosk for a food and drink outlet .

A great cost saving was that Rotary ’ s membership consisted of builders , brick layers , carpenters , plumbers and electricians , ( even a master baker , cake , pastry and pie-maker ) who were responsible for the building of the main food kiosk .

The building was opened in 1990 . A cool room , store room and toilet block adjacent to the kiosk were added later . In 2005 , Rotary constructed the change and shower facility and toilet block for public use near the grandstand .

The construction of tables and seating near the kiosk was of enormous benefit to those patrons who came to the show and other attractions held there . Shade trees were selectively chosen and planted around the kiosk .

Richmond Rotary made contributions to other projects there , like the public disability amenities block and the shelters at the entrance gates . We supported the Miss Hawkesbury Show competition , our entrants winning on three occasions . The Show Ball was the gala event of the year . In 1991 , a donated Southern Cross

windmill was erected near the Rotary kiosk and became a land-mark at the Showground , a reminder of times past .

Rotarians for many years managed the free off-the-street parking provided by the H . D . A . A . and are still involved in the entry gates and ticket collecting as well as the kiosk .

The Show has become so popular that Rotary has welcomed other charitable organisations to assist in their operations

at the Show . These organisations receive monetary benefits for their efforts also .

Thank you to the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association for their guidance and help over the years . The showground committee has been very helpful with many of our Rotary projects . We wish them the best for the Hawkesbury show over many years to come .

Come along , “ There ’ s no business like show business !”