The idea of a ute show in Wandong was first put forward in 2001, after a few Wandong locals suggested we incorporate it with the Wandong Country Music Festival to allow them to show their utes without having to travel long distances to other shows. A sub committee of the Country Music festival was formed and the Wandong Ute show was born. In more recent times, the ute show is being run by the Wandong Rural Fire Brigade in conjunction with the Country Music Festival.
The Ute Show has become a successful part of the festival, with entrants from as far away as Queensland. The first show held in 2002 had 22 utes being entered. This more than doubled in 2003 with 43 Utes entering, and the 2004 show having 67 entrants and each year since, still more entrants. Every year has been a learning process, and the show is constantly ‘fine tuned’ to improve how it runs.
