Annabelle Powell named 2019 Narromine Showgirl, photos

A sold-out crowd of 180 people gathered together at Soul Foods for the annual Narromine Showgirl Ball, and Showgirl coordinator Sarah Weir said the judges had a tough decision to make between five candidates.

Entrants included Ms Powell, Bridgette Evans, Meegan Seymour, Samantha Bone and Taylor Bartley who were each asked about their passions and why they entered the competition.

The ladies were judged on a number of categories including personality, confidence, life goals and ambitions. They are also judged on presentation, speech and are asked to demonstrate their involvement in the community and knowledge of current affairs.

Annabelle is currently an active member of the Narromine Show Society and is a nursing student at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

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Born in Narromine the 23-year-old entered the competition to represent and promote the small community, and saw it as an opportunity to meet like-minded young women who wish to raise the profile, concerns and beliefs of a country lifestyle.

This year's runner up was 18-year-old Samantha Bone who grew up in Tomingley and is currently working at Marsh Carney Saddlery in Dubbo, while studying book keeping.

Showgirl Coordinator Sarah Weir said the Showgirl competition is a vital part of every Show Society, as it gives young women the opportunity to become ambassadors for the Agricultural Show movement.

"It is often dismissed as a beauty pageant, but that is so far from the truth," she said.

"The entrants gain skills in communication and confidence and it helps foster their leadership skills.

"They have the opportunity to network with like minded rural women and they play such an important role in keeping Agricultural Show's relevant.

"The competition also helps to bring the younger generation into our local Show Societies, which is vital in keeping our Agricultural Show's alive."

Ms Weir thanked their sponsors and supporters especially considering how hard everyone is doing it in the current drought.

"Year in and year out our amazing sponsors help keep our Showgirl competition and Show Ball alive, and we are so grateful for that, especially considering how hard everyone is doing it in the current drought conditions," she said.

"We are constantly amazed at the generosity of our local businesses and community, so thank you again so much.

"Thank you also to Bill Gibbs and the entire Narromine Show Society for your constant support and belief in our sub committee, we wouldn't be able to do any of what we do without you all."

Annabelle and Samantha will be at the Narromine Show on August 30 and 31.