With a diverse range of activities, displays and quality entertainment on offer in 2017, numbers are once again expected to be high when the show comes to life at the Muswellbrook Showground on March 31.

For those wishing to do more than just be a spectator, information can be found on the show website at www.upperhuntershow.com.au

You can enter the Young Farmers Challenge, Wife Carrying Competition, horse events, poultry, beef cattle, photography, cooking, sewing art, craft, flowers, vegetables or woodwork, while there are a great range of categories to be entered in the children’s section.

Gates open to the public on Friday, March 31, from 8am, when side show alley comes alive and the horse events get underway.

Poultry and beef judging will start at 9am, and the wood chop program and the main stage entertainment on the arena kick off at 1pm.

There will be a fantastic array of exhibits in the Pavilion around near side show alley.

Friday evening is set to be amazing – all the action of bulls, broncs and barrels in the rodeo ring at the Upper Hunter Show Triple B event. 

Participants from around the country are expected to compete while crowds watch in awe from the grandstand and banked lawn.

Food and drinks will be available at the show, catering for the entire family.

Spectators can also gather to witness the adrenaline-pumping, spectacular performance from the boys at Showtime FMX. 

They are making a rare appearance at the Upper Hunter Show before heading to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

Showtime FMX specialises in performing freestyle moto X shows at a wide variety of large scale events around Australia.

Brad Burch and Robbie Marshall will be the feature riders with Tommy G the MC.

Other entertainment includes the popular Limeburners Band and singers on the main stage as well as Power FM radio presenters, who will entertain the crowd throughout both days. 

There will be plenty for both young and old with sheep dogs in action, wood chop competitions, vintage machinery displays and the animal nursery. 

Not to be missed is the speed and agility on display from the Mangoola Coal Polocrosse State of Origin and Team Penning. 

New events for 2017 include the whip cracking clinic and teams’ tug of war competition.

The official show opening is on the main stage on Saturday, April 1.

This year, the Mangoola Coal Showgirl and Muswellbrook RSL Teen Showgirl will be presented at the ceremony.

The Upper Hunter Tilt Tray Demolition Derby is a must to see that evening.

Crowds come in to watch the action, set against the night sky of lights, dazzle and music from side show alley. 

The feature event, the family-favourite Bengalla Fireworks Display, will wrap up proceedings on Saturday night.

“Committee members of the Upper Hunter Show have been working hard to bring it all together,” Upper Hunter Show Society president Keith Googe said.

“Attendance at the monthly meetings has also been at an all-time high with many younger members putting up their hands to take on positions.

“Everyone is looking forward to show.”

Ticket prices remain at an affordable level with the general admission at $15, family pass $30, children and pensioners $5.

So, lock in the dates – March 31 and April 1.