History
Our history as a society stretches back to 1859, and our heritage grandstand has been standing since 1902.
Explore the history of our society, show and grandstand
The society
Display at the Smeaton Show
The Agricultural Society originated at Smeaton and was formed in April 1859. In 1923 the name of the Society was altered to The Kingston, Smeaton, Newlyn, and Dean Agricultural Society. The minutes of the first meeting in 1945 after the war detailed 86 committee members plus office bearers. In 1984 the Society became incorporated, and the name changed to the Kingston Agricultural Society Inc.
Learn more about our committee and how you can get involved.
The show
In 1861 the first show of the Smeaton, Spring Hill, and Bullarook Agricultural Society was held at Smeaton. In 1873 the ‘Grand National Show’ was held in Smeaton. The 152nd Show was held in 2019 and the only periods when a show was not held was within the WWII period of 1940 to 1944 and COVID years 2020 and 2021. This makes the Society one of the oldest in Victoria.
Historical photo of horse events at the Kingston Agricultural Show
Kingston Show 1963 (Courtesy of Mary's Park Jersey Stud Evansford)
The grandstand
The grandstand is on the Victorian Heritage Register. The Grandstand was constructed in 1902 at the nearby Smeaton Showgrounds but was moved to its present location in 1922 when the district's premier show was relocated to improve railway access. The grandstand is in use providing a grand view of the grounds and surrounding countryside.
The heritage grandstand at the Kingston Showgrounds - constructed in 1902 and moved to it’s current home in 1922.
Explore our history in more detail
The history of the society and the show is fascinating, and offers an insight into our collective histories as a district and a nation.
Carriages at the Smeaton Show
Smeaton Show Program 1866