By Melissa Blewitt

Young animal lovers are being encouraged to enter the popular Condobolin Sports Club Pet Parade, one of the favourite family attractions at this year’s 130th Condobolin Show.
The free event will be held near the Farmyard Nursery and will be judged at 4pm on Friday, 28 August. In a change for 2026, the Pet Parade has been moved to a later timeslot to better accommodate school-aged participants.
Open to children under 15 years of age, the parade gives youngsters the opportunity to proudly showcase their much-loved pets before a large crowd of spectators.
Competitors can enter up to two pets, with judging based on the bond between owner and animal, as well as the pet’s presentation, health and grooming.
Seven sections will be contested: Best Presented Dog, Smartest Pet, Best Presented Cat, Best Presented Pet – Other, Best Kept Bird and Cage, Best Dressed Pet and Pet That Looks Like Its Owner. Organisers advise that sections may be subject to change, with updates to be provided through the Condobolin Show Society’s Facebook page, local media or the Show Office.
Winners in each section will receive $10 and a ribbon, while the Champion Pet will be awarded $25, a trophy and a ribbon.
All pets must be owned and handled by a child under 15 years of age and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Animals must remain on a leash or in a secure cage while on the showgrounds.
To ensure the safety of all participants, pets must be fully vaccinated and registered, and have received recent flea and worming treatments. Handlers must be able to control their animals at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
The competition is open to domestic pets only. Native animals, farm livestock, horses and other large animals are not eligible to compete. Puppies, kittens and rabbits must be at least eight weeks old to enter.
A parent or guardian must sign a waiver before participation.
Nominations close at 5pm on Wednesday, 26 August, and must be lodged by phoning the Show Secretary on 0428 681 099. Late entries will not be accepted.