Mount Gambier hosted the Australian Highland Cattle Society’s 30th National Show for the first time over the long weekend, with nearly 1000 people walking through the gates.

The premier event was the first gathering in three years with visitors attending from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and across South Australia.

Alongside the cute cattle were performances by the Mount Gambier Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band, Bell Studio of Highland Dance and Ardlair School of Dancing.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin opened the ceremony and the Compton CFS cadets raised about $1800 at the gate.

The Junior Champion Handler was Rachel Palk with Constance Dubh, while Scott Carter won the Senior Champion Handler with Gryphon.

A highlight of the weekend was the costume competition which was won by a handler dressed as a firefighter led their cow dressed as a dalmatian.

The national show changes state each year and this year’s event was staged by the South Australian Highland Cattle Breeders Group for the Australian Highland Cattle Society.

South Australian Highland Cattle Breeders Group committee member Melissa Kramer said it was one of the best national shows in the show’s 30-year history.

“It was a fantastic community event, the weather held up and Highland Cattle breeders that were unable to bring their livestock still attended from all over Australia,” she said.

“The event was brought to Mount Gambier, where a few breeders are located, because of the facilities, accommodation and the availability of the public that can attend.

“We wanted the event to be inclusive and well received while also supporting the local community.”