Boonah's Clydesdale Spectacular to draw thousands to the Fassifern

Despite recent wet weather and widespread flooding, the main arena was put to good use after a volunteer spruced up the grounds with a seven-hour mission to trim the grass with a Whipper Snipper since the ground was too wet for a ride-on mower.

School children and local groups attended the show on Friday, with the follow up on Saturday attracting a crowd of all ages who came from near and far.

The opening ceremony at 12.30pm on Saturday was attended by local dignitaries and town leaders.

These included Boonah Show Society and former Scenic Rim Mayor John Brent and his team of organisers as well as federal MP Scott Buchholz, state MP Jon Krause, Mayor Greg Christensen and his wide Denise, Scenic Rim town crier Syd Norman and his wife Pauline and Scenic Rim Councillor Duncan McInnes.

Mr Buchholz addressed the crowd during the opening ceremony, congratulating Mr Brent for his efforts.

"As president, you've got an amazing team of volunteers," he said.

"You're the envy of the show circuit around the district."

Sideshow alley was bustling with punters testing their skills at a variety of attractions and rides proving a popular activity with young and old.

The Scenic Rim State Emergency Service was well represented with members escorting their mascot Paddy the platypus around the showgrounds, much to the delight of children.

Boonah Rotary volunteers manned the licensed bar for those in need of a bit of liquid refreshment as the day warmed up and the rain stayed away.

During the cattle judging, Beaudesert was well represented with a dozen students from Beaudesert State High School entering seven steers.

Early in the day Year 11 student Brianna Turner came second in the junior judging competition.

The opening ceremony was held ahead of a big Saturday night program to include a monster truck display, fireworks and live music.

Mr Brent said the event attracted record ticket sales, with many selling to people from outside the region.

"To think just last Monday morning we were standing in the ring and it was rather depressing," he said.

"Given how wet things were we were wondering if we would be able to get to Saturday."

Mr Brent said a lot of money had been spent to make sure the grounds were in good condition.

'Given the outcome it was well worth the expense," he said.

Monday morning saw an army of volunteers turn up for the cleanup.

"The volunteer commitment has been much appreciated by the committee," he said.

"We're just hopeful now that we have some fine weather to ensure the success of the upcoming Clydesdale Spectacular."

Despite recent weather disasters around Boonah, the annual Clydesdale Spectacular is expected to again draw a crowd of horse lovers to Boonah next month.

The event was first established by local breeders to honour the history and heritage of the horses

The Clydesdale Spectacular, scheduled for the weekend of June 11 and 12 is traditionally a celebration of the Fassifern's Scottish heritage including a calling of the clans and traditional caber tossing.

The popular event also features pipes and drums, haggis burgers and a whisky bar as well as kilts as far as the eye can see.

Described as the "richest Clydesdale Show in the Southern Hemisphere", the event will include judging grand champions and celebrating the heritage and history of the "gentle giants of the horse world" in Australia.

Organiser Greta Stanfield said the horses were recognised in Australia as the breed that built the nation, with Queensland boasting a long history with the Clydesdale.

"The event will feature some of the top Clydesdales in the country and shouldn't be missed by anyone who has an interest in this magnificent breed, or anyone who loves horses, or for that matter anyone who wants a brilliant experience in the country where there is literally something to watch and experience at every moment," she said.

The Clydesdale competition will be held in the main arena, rare associated trades will be on view including harness makers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, horse-drawn demonstrations and driving displays and whip plaiting.

The Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, wood chopping, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances and bush poetry will also be featured.

The Boonah region's Clydesdale heritage began in the 1840s but Australian Clydesdale numbers began to decline in the 60s.

Pat and Col Ehrich and their families were instrumental in maintaining the breed when it almost disappeared from the Australian landscape.

"The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular was born from a desire by local breeders to pay respect to the history and heritage of this magnificent horse," Ms Stanfield said.

"From the beginning this event has attracted competitors, participants and spectators from across the country and oversea."

Organisers said visitors to the event would be able to see a three metre statue of a Clydesdale as they enter the town. The sculpture, created by artist Andy Scott, was built in a local Butter Factory workshop and a local economic development committee raised the funds to buy it after it had been displayed at the Swell Sculpture by the Sea Festival in Sydney. Known as Clydebuilt, the sculpture was recognised by the Queensland National Trust, representing how heritage and art combine to celebrate the history is also the logo of the Clydesdale Spectacular.