The Royal Easter Show has continued to educate with Lake Illawarra High School taking out first place in the School District Display for the second year.
The display was made out of organic materials such as vegetables, seeds and grains.
Lake Illawarra High School Agriculture and Primary Industries teacher, Michelle Atkinson said her students were committed in their efforts to create the display.
“It was a whole school effort but eight students attended the show every day to ensure the display was presented correctly and they are the ones who should be commended,” she said.
The student representatives of the southern district were awarded a trophy and $500 for their efforts and knowledge of the rural industry.
Revenue generated directly by the show is used to invest in agricultural programs and competitions in rural NSW.
Historically, these figures can be around the $7 million dollar mark and have aided the promotion of agriculture in regional and rural communities, including Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Shoalhaven.
The Royal Easter Show welcomed over 900,000 eager attendees this year, once again highlighting the importance of agriculture nationally, allowing regional schools to explore their agricultural roots and enjoy a taste of country life.
However, recent capitalisation of the show has created tensions, with the rural community concerned that the traditional nature of the show is being sidelined by product placement for large corporations and organisations.
Figtree resident, Troy Gilmore said the light show display was focussed this year on a musical production.
“My favourite part of the show was always the final light show display… but this year I was extremely disappointed to see the focus of the light show being overrun by marketing schemes,” he said.
The final festivities featured the production of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ , with some cast members performing.
Sydney resident Alicia Hawkins believed the final event was part of the show’s magic.
“I thought it was great fun,” she said.
