RACING pigs and a saw that could split a log in seconds were among the attractions drawing a record number of people through the gates at the 125th Swan Hill Show.
Swan Hill District Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Reg Packer told The Guardian a combination of a COVID break over the past two years and the Victorian Government initiative of those under the age of 16 getting for free was a recipe for success for the show.
“It is probably just that little bit early to say for sure, but certainly (the attendance numbers were) an increase on anything we have had in the last 10 years that I have been here,” he said.
“It went so well, it is just unbelievable how good it was.
“Everybody on the committee, all the volunteers, all the caterers, all the trade stalls, all the exhibitors, everybody just had a ball and it felt so good to be back.”
While the recent rainy days were somewhat of a concern for the committee ahead of the show, the weather turned it on over Friday and Saturday, with the sun shining and temperatures in the low 20 degrees.
“On the Wednesday beforehand, we thought that the rain would cause us big trouble,” Mr Packer said.
“The weather forecast all pointed that we would have a couple of good days and for once they were right.”
From the racing pigs to mountain bike obstacles, puppet shows to petting zoos, there was plenty of entertainment to amuse show-goers of all ages.
One of the highlights of the show was the yard dogs, which were kelpie dogs that herded sheep onto the back of an imitation truck.
There was also a wood-chopping competition, along with a ‘hot saw’ competition which featured giant chainsaw that could saw through a log in a couple of seconds.
The cattle hook and hoof is the last event of the show, and is still set to go ahead this weekend at the abattoirs, although this will not be open to the public.
Mr Packer wanted to thank all the Swan Hill Show sponsors, committee, volunteers, trade people, caterers, exhibitors and competitors, as well as everyone who came along to support the event.
