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For one Ebenezer family, the Hawkesbury Show isn’t just a day out, it’s a tradition, a passion, and a way of life.
This year, Jane and her three children Ella, Sienna and Jason are all entering competitions, continuing a family connection to agricultural shows that spans more than a decade.
From Cakes to chickens
Eleven-year-old Ella is embracing the creative spirit of the show, entering cupcakes, a stitch-themed cake, drawings, Diamond art and even her chicken.
Eight-year-old Sienna is following suit with an impressive range of entries Bear-themed cupcakes and cakes, photography, a duck and a chicken and a watermelon!
Four-year-old Jason is proudly stepping into the spotlight with cupcakes, drawings and two chickens and mum Jane is leading by example, entering cakes, sugar art, photography and her home grown watermelons.
A lifelong connection to the agricultural shows
Jane’s love of agricultural shows began growing up in the Penrith area, where she first entered competitions through her school at the Penrith Show.
Now living in the Hawkesbury for the past 15 years, she has built that same tradition with her own family at the Hawkesbury Show.
“I started entering cakes about 10 years ago,” she said.“It’s really rewarding to see your entry on display and the kids are so proud when they see what they’ve put in.”
The tradition extends beyond the family, with the children's school Freemans Reach Public School also taking part, submitting class entries as part of the show.It’s a reminder that the Hawkesbury Show is not just about competition, it’s about community.
More than ribbons and prizes
For families like Jane’s, the value of agricultural shows runs much deeper than winning.They offer a chance for children to learn practical skills, a way to connect with animals, food and creativity, an opportunity to showcase local talent which builds a sense of pride in the region’s rural heritage.
In a fast-changing world, the show remains one of the few places where these traditions are not only preserved, but celebrated.
Keeping Hawkesbury culture alive
As the Hawkesbury continues to grow and change, events like the Hawkesbury Show play a vital role in keeping its identity alive.
From baking and art to livestock and photography, each entry tells a story , not just of individual effort, but of a community grounded in creativity, resilience and connection to the land.
For Jane and her children, it’s about more than entering competitions.It’s about belonging.In the Hawkesbury, the show isn’t just an event, it’s a living expression of the region’s culture, proudly carried forward by families like Jane’s, one cupcake, chicken and creation at a time.
Its not to late to put in an entry before 7 April https://showday.online/show/hawkesbury
