The Dark Isle Show

(From A Visitor’s Guide to Rossland, pub. by the Rossland Tourist Board)

One of the oldest and most popular of the Agricultural Shows, the show is always held at or near the time of the quarter moon. This year it is on the last Thursday of August.

In addition to the Farmstock Competitions and the usual Agricultural events, such as the Ploughing Contest, Turnip Hurling and Tractor Tug o’ War, this show is unusual in that there are various Fishing categories also, including Netted Salmon, Line-caught Salmon, Basket of Prawns and the Nerval Memorial Lobster Pair.

Beginning early in the week, while competitors are still arriving, there will be a wealth of activities, including live bands in the Grand Marquee as well as continuous jazz from the Rossland Rhythm Rulers in the food tent. We can also expect the most elaborate fair north of Perth. As well as the rides and hoopla stalls there are traders selling everything from revolutionary oven cleaners to waffle irons – a must for those of you who have crumpled waffles!

If you are still undecided, then consider that this is a once-yearly opportunity to walk dryshod to the Dark Isle. The fishing boats of Cromness, Rossmarty and Castleton unite to form a barrage across Castleton Sound, and a timber road is laid across them. For this reason, the Show is arranged to coincide with the moon’s first quarter, so that the tides may not disrupt the crossing. Motor vehicles are prohibited from the causeway and most stock are brought across in the old style, led by drovers.

Visitors should note that the normal ferry service is suspended for the duration of the Show.