Illabo Show

The Illabo Pastoral, Agricultural and Industrial Society was formed in 1910, holding its first annual event, a Ploughing Carnival, in 1911. After three years, the title was shortened to the Illabo Carnival. Early events were staged on various private properties, requiring marquees, tents and temporary structures for exhibits and catering. In 1919, the society received a 40-acre grant of unimproved land near the village. Members cleared, fenced and developed the site, and the first show was held there in 1925. Today, the Illabo Showground features a pavilion with a 90 ft by 30 ft dance floor, luncheon rooms and offices. Facilities include sheep and rodeo yards, a trotting track and polocrosse fields, along with a four-stand shearing shed used for competitions.