It’s full steam ahead for the construction of the new pavilion at the Orange Showgrounds.
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But its completion in time for this year’s 145th Orange Show on May 13-14 has presented the show committee with a problem – what to fill it with.
Show society president Peter Naylor is calling on businesses, community groups and sporting clubs from Orange and the region to join in the fun and put a display in the new pavilion.
It's a monster for us to fill
- Peter Naylor, Show society president
“We’re calling on anyone that wants to put their hand up and put a display in it,” he said.
“It’s a monster for us to fill,” he said.
“We have an 80 x 33 metre shed and we have got to fill it.”
The $1.6 million pavilion is a great acquisition for the show as it will provide a covered area with modern services including reliable power for exhibitors.
However, it is not replacing the old agricultural pavilion as it will continue to be used.
Mr Naylor said charity groups could display for free but there may be a charge for businesses.
“We’ve got to assess that. If they make a million dollars we might have to work out something.
“They’ve got to give the society something because we are putting the event on.”
School displays will move into the new pavilion and Mr Naylor said the main attraction would be a wrestling exhibition with a ring in the centre of the room.
“It will be the first one for country shows.
“It’s something different for the people to come and have a look at,” he said.
The question over the name of the new pavilion is scheduled to go to the March meeting of Orange City Council but Mr Naylor wants it named after his parents, show stalwarts for many years, Ray and Betty Naylor.
The show will be the first time the pavilion will be open.
“It’s opening the door for the people of Orange to see what the venue will be used for.”
Mr Naylor said the new pavilion was part of an overall revamp of the show for 2017.
“There is a new look,” he said.
“It’s not going to be the old show as it was.
“It’s going to be a new learning process for people to come along and have a look at it.”
The revamp includes upgrading the cattle and horse events and having new rides direct from the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
“We have tried to lift our sections up,” he said.