Damn This Traffic Jam...

There is a little ditty by James Taylor, one that I hadn't thought about for years.Until yesterday morning...

Damn this traffic jam, how I hate to be late, it hurts my motor to go so slow.
Damn this traffic jam, time I get home my supper'll be cold, damn this traffic jam.

Well I left my job about 5 o'clock, it took fifteen minutes go three blocks,
Just in time to stand in line with a freeway looking like a parking lot.
Damn this traffic jam, how I hate to be late, it hurts my motor to go so slow.
Damn this traffic jam, time I get home my supper'll be cold, damn this traffic jam.

Now I almost had a heart attack, looking in my rear view mirror,
I saw myself the next car back, looking in the rear view mirror,
about to have a heart attack, I said,
damn this traffic jam, how I hate to be late, it hurts my motor to go so slow.
Damn this traffic jam, time I get home my supper'll be cold, damn this traffic jam.

Unlike the last few days, morning actually dawned brightly with blue skies and a warming sun. Considering yesterday's maximum had risen to only a chilly thirteen degrees, we were relieved at any improvement to that temperature. Particularly as this is the Beverley Agricultural Show Day.

We could hear all the opening kerfuffle of the show all the way from the House that Rocks. The day looked like we may have the odd spit of rain, but we were crossing our fingers for the least adverse weather as possible.

Alex, with his trusty offsider and support worker Pascal, arrived in a very excited state at about a quarter to eleven. I was about to fly in the shower in preparation for opening the East End Gallery.  A squall was passing briskly by as they came through the front door. Even the rain couldn't dampen Alex's spirits. The Beverley Show has always been one of the highlights of his social calendar.

And for fear of sounding biased, our town puts on a great country show. I could tell that there was a bit of a crowd around when I drove down the main drag to the newsagent to buy the Saturday papers. Cars were everywhere. They were crawling along Vincent Street, queued to turn into Forrest Street and generally dawdling in search of an elusive parking spot. Peak hour, with an urban-like crush of traffic, all heading for one destination, was alive and well in the throbbing temporary metropolis Beverley had suddenly become.

Much to our surprise, a stream of visitors kept coming through the doors of the East End Gallery. Most of these guests had already been to the show and regaled us with tales of produce and sheep, art and crafts, delicious treats in all shapes and sizes, sideshow alley, camels and alpacas, rides and show bags. There were even delays for punters entering at the main gate.

We were having a great day in the Gallery as well. Spiders, sterling silver jewellery, our "Gippy up Horsie", Rambo the sheep and one of Shirley Gillis' iconic "old ute" paintings all found their ways to new homes. I offered to deliver Helen's purchases as well as other bargains she had picked up before stopping at the Gallery. She and her family had sheep and rams on display at one of the main tents. This was an easy request to fulfil.

Whilst I was there, armed with my camera, I was able to take some photographs to share the happiness of yet another wonderful Beverley Show Day. I talked to some of the participants and stall holders. I met Craig Alford, of Armadale Mower World, who had driven a ride-on mower around the country to bring awareness of mental illness and other health issues. I met a couple displaying their wholly electric car, designed to catapult us all into a quiet revolution and end our reliance on fuel. Good luck to them.

Last night we sat on our back verandah and watched the fireworks that signal the close of the show. We revelled at the glorious white, yellow, pink, blue and green fountains lighting up the sky with the drama of the accompanying booms.

Today, Beverley will ease back to normality. Little traffic, no hold-ups. But our whole town will be buoyed by the success of yet another brilliant show day. Want to add country friendliness, cheerful hospitality and a break from the hustle and bustle? Add this date to your diary for next year.

Beverley is looking forward to meeting you.

Before we became Beverley Hillbillies, I thought sheep were little creatures on gambolling legs...

and I was not expecting to come face to face with Rambo!

Now here's an excitable boy.

Look Mum! No engine.

Because this is a fully electric car!

Who says we're backward in the sticks?

This bloke drove around Australia on a ride-on mower to raise awareness of mental health and other issues.

Craig Alford, you are a star.

Can I load a cannon on mine?

All the thrill of the show for our country kids.

George, I say George.

Yes, Mildred.

Is it nearly home time?

Definitely for the energetic.

Much more my speed.

Still life at the Beverley Show.

However, there were also show bags galore...

and arts and crafts a-plenty.

Catching a lift back to the farm.

Not for the faint heated

How country kids learn to drive!