Bluey and Bingo, pictured right, are set to make a special appearance at the upcoming Maleny Show, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year on June 2 and 3. 

The beloved characters will be performing four live shows and meeting fans on Saturday, June 3. 

Maleny Show Society’s Lois White said the organisation was thrilled to be able to bring Bluey and Bingo to the major hinterland event after months of negotiations.

The Maleny Show Society has been working hard to present a family-friendly, free entertainment program this year, including attractions like an animal nursery, whip cracking competitions, and gem fossicking.

Last year Maleny celebrated the 100 year anniversary of  the Show Society’s formation. This year it is excited to mark 100 years since the first Maleny Show. 

The event will also feature pavilion displays for everything from photography to woodworking, with nominations open until May 26. Visitors can enjoy the Human Pyrotechnics show, bike stunts, live music, and fireworks on both nights. 

“With free train rides and the Dinosaur Adventure Park, there’s something for everyone,” said Lois. “We are hoping to entice a younger generation of show goers, who can come see their favourite TV cartoon characters in the flesh, as well as enjoy the agricultural aspects of our show.” 

Lois said the Animal Nursery was always popular with the crowds, as was the whip cracking competitions, dog jump, camp oven cooking demo’s, gem fossicking, dairy, beef and poultry exhibits and the wonderful main ring horse events and show jumping.  

This year there will be free train rides around the grounds as well as roaming entertainment, live music, bands, trade vendors, heaps of food and of course side show alley.

“The show has changed and grown so much over the last 100 years, but we’ve always stayed true to our agricultural heritage with our main show arena and pavilions set to showcase our rural strengths,” said Lois.

Nominations are now open for the pavilion displays with entries sought for floral art, photography, needlework, tapestry, woodwork, handicrafts, cut flowers, sweets and preserves, cooking, woodworking and Lego. Nominations for general pavilion sections close May 26.

Woodchop is back all day Saturday with increased prize money.

Another free attraction on both days is the Dinosaur Adventure Park.  “It’s a huge attraction and fun for all ages,” said Lois.  “A  combination of lifelike animatronic dinosaur costumes, the robotic dinosaur enclosure and a free fossil dig zone.”

There will also be a Handheld Pyrotechnics (human fireworks) show both nights. “Kris from Flux Entertainment and his team are the only people in Australia that provide this type of show, as seen on Australia’s got talent, and to be seen at the Ekka this year, but first they will be right here in Maleny at the show.”

Poultry, Dairy, Beef and Horse sections are now available on the website (malenyshowsociety.org.au).

“At the opening of the show we will have descendants of some of our original show society life members and committee to mark the anniversary of the first show 100 years ago.

“We are currently having a film made about the show and its history, as well as local writer Judy Fredriksen has compiled a fantastic book for us, drawing on many volunteers from over the decades recalling stories and memories about the show.  This book will be available to purchase at the show and should be launched two weeks before at this stage all going well.”