The first ute show was held in 2016, and according to organisers was just a humble show run by Stanhope Family Hotel.
“We had about 45 entrants that year,” said one of the organisers.
“The following year entries were down a little so we decided to go big and include all vehicles, by now The Stanhope Ute Show was then named the Stanhope Show & Shine.
“We received almost 100 entrants and it was held in the paddock next door to the hotel.
“2020 saw The Stanhope Show & Shine being held over the road from the hotel at the recreation reserve and we had over 200 entrants.
“Then COVID-19 hit, our committee members got older, volunteers became scarce and the requirements were crazy — in late 2021 as a committee we decided to disband the Show & Shine in its then current format.”
The organiser did not want the event to die out after all the hard work that had been put in, and gained permission from the original committee to run a series of smaller events during the year, starting with the ute event.
“Hopefully in a year or two things will be better regarding COVID-19, and we will be able to hold the bigger event again.
“For now, the Stanhope Family Hotel will again be running The Stanhope Show & Shine and also hoping to raise as many funds as possible for some local community groups.”
The committee is looking for volunteers on the day, who will have a donation made in their name to a local community group of their choice.
For more information, visit the Show and Shine’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Stanhope-Show-Shine-Swap-Meet-194888494672651