FROM arts and crafts to yard dog trials, the 124th Swan Hill Show proved to be a “wonderful” success for the local community.
The two-day-event drew families from “near and far” with pleasant spring weather and a large variety of entertainment boosting numbers across the weekend.
“Our gate takings were on par with our long-term average which we were very happy about,” Swan Hill Show president Reg Packer told The Guardian.
“We were lucky to get two decent days of weather because Sunday turned out to be fairly windy.”
The yard dog trials and junior artwork entrants appeared to be popular inclusions at this year’s show, with record numbers seen in both categories.
“We had 75 yard dog competitors which is the most we’ve ever seen,” Mr Packer said.
“It ran all day Saturday and well into the evening to a point where we had to shut it down. It was a big highlight.
“Junior artwork was also up by about 30 per cent which was very good to see.”
Alongside good entrants in the craft and cookery sections, Mr Packer said this year’s show hosted some “wonderful features” including the fairground organ from Melbourne and The Mik Maks entertainment for the children.
“It was the first time we’ve had the fairground organ and everybody loved it,” Mr Packer said.
“We also had our normal features including professor Wallace and his puppets and a travelling petting zoo — the little kids had a ball.”
Other display items that impressed the crowd included the woodchopping competition, extreme motor bike driving, country and western singer Chooka Williams and Golden City Pipe Band.
“The Swan Hill City Band was also very well received, there was all sorts of musical entertainment across the two days,” Mr Packer said.
The hoof and hook competition was another highlight of the show, with record numbers entered in the prime lamb competition.
“We had 39 pens of prime lambs which was 10 up on last year,” Mr Packer said.
“We also had good entries in the poultry section. All in all it was a very good show.”
Mr Packer said while the Swan Hill Show Society consists of about 20 people, more than 100 volunteers made this year’s event possible.
“On behalf of the show society, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped in the lead up to the show or on the weekend.
“Thank you also to the public of Swan Hill who showed their support and to everyone who travelled.”
