Dogs starred at last year’s show, in pet competitions and in a unique high jump contest.

This year’s show will feature even more canine entertainers.

The annual Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show opens at Morisset Showground on Friday, January 29, and continues over the weekend.

Spokesperson Justin Rumore said the popular dog judging event would launch the show on Friday morning.

“The dog show is back on Friday after a two-year absence due to upgrades that have been made to the showground,” Mr Rumore said.

The All Breeds Championship Show will feature judging in eight classes, with categories including terriers, hounds, toy breeds, gun dogs and working dogs.

“And the very popular horse show jumping events will also be held all day on Friday,” Mr Rumore said.

On Saturday, the poultry judging (9am) and cattle show (10am) will kick start a busy program.

“There will be four performances of the Rampt Mini FXM stunt shows – at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.45pm  and 3pm – horse events all day as well as the official opening of the show and crowning of the 2016 show girl,” Mr Rumore said.

One of the most entertaining events on last year’s program, the Australian Working Dog Rescue group’s high jump demonstration and duck herding, will return on Saturday at 12.30pm, and for three sessions on Sunday.

The poetry competition starts at 10am on Sunday, with a dog groomers’ shoot-out starting at 11am and continuing all day.

The first round of the frenetic wood chopping will be held at 11.15am.

Mr Rumore said there was also plenty of opportunity for crowd participation in fun events on Sunday.

“From 2.30pm we have the gumboot throwing, wife carrying,  and tug-of-war for teams of two,” Mr Rumore said.

“These are all free to enter and there are heaps of prizes for adults and children.”

The Morisset Lake Macquarie Agricultural Show was always a great day out for the entire family, Mr Rumore said.

It has live music on the main stage, an animal nursery, and poultry showing.

“And don’t forget the art, crafts, cooking, horticulture and photography displays,” he said.

The show is particularly popular with children who love the amusement rides, carnival games, pony rides and show bags.

Entry is free on Friday. Entry costs $10 for adults and $5 for children on the Saturday and Sunday. Family tickets are available for $25.

For event details, see the advertisement on page 10 of next Thursday’s Lakes Mail.