Darren Coyne
They say you should never smile at a crocodile but it’s hard when the critter appears to be smiling back at you.
It was as if the crocodile from Steve McEwan’s Reptile World knew that it was time for the North Coast National, Lismore’s annual three day show.
The show kicks off today, and will run until Saturday, but Lismore residents had a sneak peak yesterday in the central business district.
A monster truck, race-cars, a petting zoo and Mr McEwan provided a taste of what show-goers can expect over coming days.
Along with the usual dairy and beef cattle displays, the show will feature a huge range of activities to keep children and their parents busy.
With the theme, Celebrating Country Life, the show has been running for more than 120 years, bringing a taste of country life to the city.
New events include helicopter joy flights, laser tag, a sheep shearing shed and a large dinosaur display.
Children can get up close with their favourite barnyard animals in the petting zoo, or check out the snakes and crocs at Mr McEwan’s reptile display.
Ashton’s circus will be performing throughout the show, and the pavilions will be chock-a-block full of produce and displays.
There will be horse-riding displays along with ‘horsepower’ displays, with speedway drivers set to carve up the track.
A King of the Ring burnout spectacular will be followed each night by a fireworks display.
The North Coast National is one of the largest shows in NSW and Queensland.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.northcoastnational.com.au or at the gate.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
