IT’S been a bumper start to this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, with local competitors reaching lofty heights at the prestigious event.
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Warral’s Samantha Dernee, 14, pipped more than 50 competitors from across the state on Friday to be crowned junior state parader champion, while another Tamworth native, McCarthy Catholic College’s Alex Watt, came runner-up.
It is the third year Ms Dernee has competed at the show, mum Anita said.
“She was runner-up last year in the same competition and has won other parader competitions but nothing as big as this, she said.”
“It’s just amazing. She’s a fantastic kid and she loves her cattle.”
Also doing the region proud was Gunnedah’s Sarah Clift, who came in third in the 2014 Sydney Royal Showgirl competition on Sunday.
Since it began in 1952, the esteemed contest has grown to boast over 500 entrants, with more than 120 regional show societies participating in the
competition.
Despite its long history, the judging criterion has endured the test of time, with the 16 showgirls finalists assessed on their confidence, ambition and life goals, personality, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation and speech.
After a gruelling day of interviews and judging, it was Bega’s Brodie Chester who was announced the winner, taking home a $10,000 cash prize and the
coveted title.
In the sheep section, Peel High School’s Laurie Raper was acknowledged for his achievements with suffolk, winning best headed suffolk and the class 685 group of four suffolks, while Fiona and Royce Holtkamp took out best puppy of breed (Welsh Corgi).