The Penola Show Society committee has had a youthful injection, with Jake Rowe taking on the president’s role.

Mr Rowe was elected at the society’s annual meeting held recently.

He has been involved with the Penola show since 2018, firstly with general helping, then with the children’s activities, and more recently with the Young Farmer’s challenge and the rural ambassadors program.

“I started with the ambassador program as Penola’s Rural Ambassador in 2019, and then competed at the state final at the Royal Adelaide show, representing the South East and Border Show Association, along with Brody Lock from Mundulla,” Mr Rowe said.

Mr Rowe has had the opportunity to experience other royal shows such as the Sydney Royal and the EKKA, as well as a two week study program, all of which was sponsored by PIRSA, RM Williams and SA Country Shows.

“Throughout this I was able to make vast networks Australia wide and work with other like minded peers,” he said.

Mr Rowe now plans to get the award its much needed support and attraction in the South East so the next generation has the opportunity to experience what it has to offer.

“I believe that this is something we need to push in schools to give both primary and high school students more opportunity to be more involved in their local shows and share their ideas with the board.

From here they can experience the junior ambassador award and then continue to compete at senior level,” he said.

Mr Rowe said that as incoming president of the Penola Show Society he will strive to continue to make the show the great success as it has been for many years.

The show has built a reputation as a major family friendly event and a great opportunity for residents, both young and old to display their produce, cookery, flowers, art, craft and items in many other sections.

“I would like to work with the schools and the younger generation, getting them involved and see what they would like to see at the shows.

It’s bringing in the new but it is still important to keep the traditional aspects of a country show,” he said.

Show secretary Kathy Fennell said plans were well in hand for this year’s show on October 27 and 28.

“There will be plenty of exciting attractions on Friday night and Saturday for both adults and children,” she said.

“The show schedule will be on the show website very soon, along with updates on the show Facebook page.

“There will also be some printed schedules available at some businesses in the town, so get those entries in so we can have a great display for the public to see.”