There was a lot of publicity about the four day Royal Hobart Show. It was the reason for last Thursday’s local holiday. So we thought we should experience the event on the final day.

It was a fairground, with the expected rides, side shows, fast food stalls and show bags on sale.

It was an agricultural show with vintage machinery, with all varieties of farm animals on display. There was an animal nursery where kids could pet the smaller animals.

There were home craft competitions, with flowers, cakes, jams and preserves, knitting and stitching, art and photography on show.

There was entertainment, with fire throwers, medieval combat displays, BMX bike acrobatics and a humorous outback show with jackaroos, a quad bike, horses and working dogs, mustering cattle on to the top of a truck.

It was a dog show with the full range of breeds in a best in show parade. There were sheep dog trial competitions held each day and equestrian events.

The memorable moments for us were pig races, sheep shearing demonstration and wood chopping competitions.

As well as all the cute animals, the reptile and snake displays were popular and educational. I now know what a Tiger Snake looks like and I know that there is a Tasmanian Reptile Rescue Service.