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Lilydale Shire was barely three years into the new century when moves began to stage its own show. At the time, there were 126 separate shows in the state and five small societies within a radius of 15 miles of Lilydale. The Lilydale Express of the time said “most shows in the district last year were a failure and depended on government subsidies to pay expenses.” The Express claimed that what was needed was “a good central show which would not only redound with credit to the district, but serve as one of the best object lessons for our farmers and fruitgrowers yet provided for them.”
The move to establish a central, combined show was initiated from a surprising quarter – the Ringwood Horticultural Society. At its annual meeting in October 1903, the society canvassed the idea of moving the show to a more central location; combining several societies including Healesville, Wandin, Yarra Glen and Lilydale and providing a wide range of activities.
After discussing the name and sharing of the profits between the Ringwood and the Lilydale societies, it was decided to hold the show in the Lilydale Council market reserve and paddock and, so as not to clash with other societies, Wednesday and Thursday, March 2 and 3, 1904 were the dates selected. The official name of the show was the Lilydale-Ringwood Combined Show but later became known simply as the Lilydale Show.
As there were no buildings for all the exhibits, the committee in February 1904 hired two marquees totalling 260ft and 1000ft of tables and lighting for £26.
To protect the exhibits from pilferage, wire netting was purchased. The sections included: fruit, vegetables, jams and jellies, farm produce, bread and pastry, home work, cattle, sheep, swine, wines and artwork. A collection of native weapons and a sample of native bread was entered by Mr R. Wandin of the Coranderrk station. On both evenings, musical and elocutionary competitions were held in the Athenaeum Hall.
The day of the first Lilydale Show was bright and sunny and gate takings were £80, less than expected. With so many entries, a temporary bridge was built across the creek to link the market reserve and Olinda Hotel oval, where the horses and cattle were judged. To cater for the many visitors from Melbourne, the railways extended the 12.20pm Ringwood train from Melbourne to Lilydale and the patronage more than covered costs.
The show was officially opened by the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Madden, the first of His Majesty’s representatives to visit the town. Sir John arrived at Lilydale station on a special train at 1.40pm and was met by the committee and a procession of children from the state school. When he arrived at the show, he was greeted by the Lilydale Brass Band playing the National Anthem. During his speech, Sir John referred to Lilydale as the “Garden of Eden of Australia”:
Lilydale Agricultural & Horticultural
Society 27 Market
Street, Lilydale 3140