The horses may be staying home, but the Brookfield Show is still rolling on with new attractions, familiar faces, and plenty of heart.
A Weekend for the Community
Come 23 May, the familiar hum of generators, chatter of neighbours, and thump of music speakers will fill the air once more as the Brookfield Show returns for another weekend of rides, rosettes, and showground charm. But while families will still pass through the wooden gates in gumboots and sunnies, one show staple won’t be waiting in the main arena.
Horses won’t be galloping through Brookfield’s central ring for the first time in years. After an assessment of the Show’s Main Arena, the sodden state of the main grass area of the Brookfield Recreation Reserve and its surrounding grounds have been found to pose a risk to horses and riders.
Since there wouldn’t be time for the ground to dry out completely, the Show Society made the tough call to cancel the Horses Competition. It’s a quiet change with no protests and no fuss, but it’s leaving a noticeable gap in the program for many long-time showgoers.
Still, the heart of the show hasn’t missed a beat.
The Rise of the Dogs
In a twist many locals are embracing, the dogs are stepping into the spotlight this year. The Dog Show—always a crowd-pleaser tucked to the side—is now front and centre.
Expect bounding labradors, preened poodles, and more than a few fancy dress entries to take over the main arena. Organisers are already bracing for a record number of four-legged contenders.
“There’s always been such affection for the Dog Show,” say organisers. “It just made sense to give them a bigger stage.”
It’s a chance for local pet owners to show off their companions and connect with neighbours who share their love for animals. Kids lean on fences to cheer on their favourites, and there’s always one or two who sneak in a cuddle with a sleepy spaniel.
A Packed Lineup for All Ages
But the Brookfield Show isn’t just about the animals. What makes this weekend special is the full spectrum of entertainment that turns a small showground into a temporary town centre.
On Friday night, the show lights will glow over the rodeo ring as riders test their balance and bravado. The energy builds again on Saturday with FMX stunt bikes flying overhead, engines roaring as they leap across ramps under the stars. These high-adrenaline shows have become a modern tradition, drawing cheers from crowds of all ages.
Live music fills the in-between spaces. You’ll hear it drifting from the main stage as you pass through food stalls or grab a cone of fairy floss. This year’s lineup includes local musicians bringing everything from country covers to indie rock.
The daytime sets have been shuffled slightly to give performers more space and audiences more variety, an update organisers say came from community feedback.
For the younger ones, the petting zoo returns all weekend with goats, chickens and other farmyard friends waiting for curious hands. It’s low-key, sure, but you’ll struggle to find a kid walking away from it without a smile.
Traditions Evolve, But the Spirit Remains
There’s always a risk when a long-running event changes something big. The horses will be missed and no one’s pretending otherwise. But Brookfield has never been just one thing. It’s the quiet conversations between neighbours, the way volunteers wear ten hats at once, and the shared memory of returning year after year.
The Community Awards will still be given out Saturday night, and the Show Opening Remarks on Friday will still welcome newcomers and veterans alike.
And when you look out over the showgrounds as the sun sets and the lights come on, the feeling is unmistakable: the Brookfield Show, horses or not, is still exactly what it’s meant to be.
Published 23-May-2025
