A RECORD crowd turned up for the Boonah Clydesdale Spectacular this weekend.
The traditional celebration of the giant horses that helped shape the Fassifern region
The theme was tartan mixed with cowboy and the sound of bagpipes echoed across the grounds as the town's Scottish heritage was also acknowledged.
A full program ensured a variety of activities for young and old, with artisans including Welsh cooper Andrew Finch and local wheelwright Rick Stanfield demonstrating their crafts.
The Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, wood chopping, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances and bush poetry were also popular features..
The event was first established by local breeders to honour the history and heritage of the horses.
Pat and Col Ehrich and their families were instrumental in returning the breed to local prominence when it almost disappeared from the Australian landscape.
The family tradition was continued for the 2022 event with Lilly Ehrich performing the Australian national anthem to raucous applause as her grandfather, Les, proudly watched the opening ceremony on Saturday.
This was followed by the Scottish national anthem performed by the Amberley Pipes and Drums band.
Also present were Scenic Rim leaders including state MP Jon Krause, Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen and Councillor Marshall Chalk.
Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard addressed the crowd on behalf of Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe, congratulating Boonah for hosting an event with the highest Clydesdale prize money in the southern hemisphere.
Ms Howard said the event would boost the local economy by more than $2 million.
The opening ceremony also featured the traditional calling of the clans, with Donald, Forsyth and McNicol among the tartans represented.
Each clan was marched onto the showground behind bagpipers from the Amberley Pipes and Drums and with a Clydesdale escort before judge Alice Brown announced clan Donald as the overall winners.
Choosing the winners in the horse contest was not easy for judges, with the highest prize being a $5000 cheque.
Mudgee mare Dalswinton Charlotte took the accolade of Supreme Champion along with the prize money.
