Showdown: one week till show

IN JUST a week’s time, animals, rides and machinery will flood the showgrounds for the Swan Hill Agricultural Show.

President Brad Morpeth said the date was “rapidly closing in”, with committee members busily collecting entries for sections of competition.

Committee members reported entrant numbers to be fewer than in 2011. But a wide range of sections remain open, from ‘Most Feral Ute’ to ‘Dog with the Waggliest Tail’. 

Increased sponsorship for 2012 had led to a bigger range of entertainment, Mr Morpeth said.

“We’ve been trying to get a variety, that’s been the big thing,” he said. 

“After the last few shows the younger people were yelling out for different things to do and see.”

“Mums, dads, teenagers, children — the show should appeal to the community as a whole.”

The trade stalls on Tyntynder Oval are back and a ‘field days’ atmosphere is predicted with 15 sponsors displaying their mechanised wares.

“It’s really exciting to have Tyntynder Oval back in action,” Mr Morpeth said.

Other features include wood chopping contests, the ‘mini whip industries bike show’ and a ‘mind, body and spirit’ pavilion.

A ute competition has attracted more than 40 utility vehicles vying for more than $1000 in prizes.

Meanwhile, live bands and dance performances have been scheduled to run throughout the two days to keep things up-tempo.

“Local music was on the radar, after the success of YESfest,” Mr Morpeth said. 

“We haven’t had live music at the show for as long as I can remember, and I’ve been going since I was five.”

Making a welcome return will be the Miss Showgirl and Rural Ambassador competitions — including men and women from 3 to 30 years of age — and the ‘Grand Parade’ a procession around the oval of all the show’s different elements.

For the highlight cookery event, celebrity chef Jennifer Graham will judge The Great Wood and Co Cupcake Competition live on stage. 

Mr Morpeth said if there was one outstanding reason for punters to attend this year’s show, it was to congratulate the show’s volunteers.

“For the last 12 months there have been about a dozen people every week, in some circumstances every day, working to put this together and I’d love to see people support that hard work.”

The Swan Hill Agricultural Show opens 9.30am to 9pm both on Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6.