The Airtime FMX team performed at The Ekka in Brisbane recently and will be back at the Parkes Show next week with their death defying jumps. (Photo: Airtime FMX facebook page)

After two years of a show drought, excitement is building for this year’s Parkes Show from Monday to Wednesday next week. Show enthusiasts can expect the best of local produce, livestock and all their favourite entertainment. 

The traditional fireworks display is set for Tuesday at 7:15pm, while the favourite demolition derby will be on Wednesday at 7:30pm preceded by ute barrel racing at 6pm. 

Apart from all the fun and excitement of the show rides and show bags, the kids can also look forward to the animal nursery, Troppo Bob and the WOW Dinosaur and Reptile display. 

There will be some changes to the showgrounds this year as the new pavilion is still under construction. This means the displays of local produce, art and craft and floral arrangements will move to the industrial pavilion across the road, while the schools and stall holders will be housed in tents around the showgrounds. 

The luncheon room will be run by Meals on Wheels this year, and in the arena there will be show jumping and Airtime FMX will be back with their bikes and breathtaking aerial tricks for several shows over the three days. 

In other good news for the Parkes Show Society was an announcement this week from Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway of a $42,000 investment in the show from the NSW Government after a tough few years. “The show must go on and these grants are helping make that happen.” 

The full show program is available on The Parkes Show facebook page and website. Tickets can be bought at www.123tix.com.au.

Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society are known for their inclusive culture. Whether it be subtitles for the hearing impaired or Autism friendly relaxed performances so people on the spectrum, or who experience a disability, can come along to watch a production that is adapted to ensure suitability to the audience.

The society often cast people with disability in their productions – even one of their directors, Lyn Townsend, has a hearing impairment which requires adaptation at rehearsals so she can be involved.

About 18 months ago, the society were successful in a grant application under the Department of Social Services and Community Participation Stream to support people with disabilities.

So far, the grant has been used to support a number of people who have been cast in productions, and also for patrons with disabilities (and their carers) to come and watch the shows. A specialised screen was sourced from overseas to show subtitles where appropriate. The most important event to be supported by the grant is the All Abilities concert.

Featuring a combination of individual items and group performances in song, dance, recitation and a short skit, this concert will give people with disability (and their carers/support networks) the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a theatre star and shine on stage, in their own unique way.

There will be performers from around the district, joined by their city friends from Twinkle Star Dance Studio. They contacted the society and asked to be involved after reading about the event.

The concert will be hosted by well-known identities (with their own unique ‘ability’), Rhyse Forrestal and Lisa Martin who are sure to keep the concert ticking along with their own dash of comedy.

There will be only one concert, on 3rd September at 2pm. Make sure to get your ticket at www.parkesmandd.com.au.

Class photo of Form 4M – 2 in 1973 at Parkes High School.

If you attended Parkes High School between 1970 and 1975, keep the second weekend of October open for a big reunion.

“Our committee has been working hard to organise a reunion for Parkes High School students who started there in 1970 and finished any year up to 1975,” said Paula Harrison. 

The reunion will take place from Friday, 7th to Sunday, 9th October, and everyone is invited to come and renew friendships and relive memories.

Young, local and transient professionals in Parkes have a great opportunity to meet when the Country Universities Centre in Parkes will be hosting its inaugural Parkes Young Professionals networking session.

The free event on Wednesday, 10th August from 6 to 10pm at the Cooke Park Pavilion will include complimentary catering and drinks.

“These sessions will become regular chances for young local and transient professionals to meet in a social networking setting, allowing them to share skills and experiences and build relationships,” said CUC manager Jacob Cass.

“We hope that in doing so, we can promote longer retention rates for transient and relocating professionals, let our local professionals gain skills and knowledge from them and provide our industry partners with a community-based professional group to use in attraction strategies.”

Jacob said the first event would focus on building on the model through consultation with the attendees about how the Parkes Young Professionals community could be of service to them. 

There are 50 tickets for this event and some have already been reserved. Tickets for this event can be reserved by visiting www.eventbrite.com.au/e/parkes-young-professionals-tickets

OUR NEW ONLINE COLLECTION: BORROWBOX

Parkes Shire Library has consolidated our eBooks and eAudiobooks to a single portal, BorrowBox. Both Libby and Wheeler apps have been discontinued. You will need to download the BorrowBox app, find Parkes Library, enter your member number and password which is your birthdate (DDMMYYYY). If you need help, drop into the library or give us a call. https://parkes.borrowbox.com/

LIBRARY CHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS

Join us for Storytime every Tuesday at 10:30am for 3-5 year old children and Rhyme Time every Wednesday @ 10:30am. Both are free but bookings are required. Parkes Shire Youth Voices consult on programs and activities for youth. The group is open to young people in the Parkes Shire aged 12-25 years. The next meeting is on Wednesday, 17th August @ 4pm at Parkes Library. A Zoom link will be available, contact the library for more information. Senior Student Space is available every Tuesday 3:30-5:30pm during school terms. Current Year 1 to 12 students are invited to use this space to study, meet and relax. Free afternoon tea, the library’s Nintendo Switch and collection of board games available.

MOVIE NIGHTS

Friday, 29th July @ 6pm & Saturday, 30th July @ 9:30am – a 2022 fantasy film starring fantastic wizards, witches and beasts (PG 13+). Bookings are essential, contact Parkes Library on 6861 2309.

MARRAMARRA MAKERSPACE STUDIO 

The Makerspace programs will re-open on 1st August on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2-5:30pm with weekly demos on how to use the equipment. Lego Club will recommence on Tuesday, 2nd August from 4-5pm for 10-15 year olds. We have some exciting workshops coming up, so follow us on Facebook or join our mailing list makerspace@parkes.nsw.gov.au