Beenleigh resident John Schultz has spent most of his life connected to the Beenleigh Show, a tradition that began when his mother first took him along as a five-year-old.
“I’ve lived all my life in Beenleigh,” Mr Schultz said. “When I was five, my mother took me to the show, and I’ve been with every show since.”
After more than six decades helping run the event, Mr Schultz has stepped back from his role as a steward, ending a long chapter of community involvement.
Mr Schultz first became involved behind the scenes in 1965 while teaching at Beenleigh State School.
“The principal asked me if I’d give them a hand with the show,” Mr Schultz said. “It was my first year of teaching, and you do what you’re told. That was the start of it.”
In his first role as a steward in the show’s education section Mr Schultz helped to coordinate school entries such as essays and displays from local students.
“I worked in the education section for 37 years,” he said.
During that time, schools from across the district submitted work that was judged and displayed at the showgrounds.
“Our display was quite spectacular,” Mr Schultz said. “Kids loved to come in and see it.”
After retiring from teaching in 2000, following 17 years at Beenleigh State School and 20 years at Waterford, Mr Schultz continued volunteering at the show.
He later worked as a ring steward for horse events, often managing paperwork, prize ribbons and payments during the busy show days.
In total, Mr Schultz estimates he served as a steward for about 60 years.
“That’s got to be some sort of record,” he said.
Now 81, Mr Schultz said it was time to step away.
“I’m not a spring chicken anymore,” he said. “It’s time to call it quits.”
Looking back, Mr Schultz said the show had changed over the decades but remained an important part of the community.
“I wish the best for the show,” he said.
Mr Schultz also thanked the volunteers who worked alongside him.
“The teachers who helped with the education section were very good,” he said. “Without them, I couldn’t have done it.”
