Tradies and farmers’ day
Farmers and tradesmen from across the Goulburn Valley will be delighted by the fishing prowess of television personality Rex Hunt this week in Shepparton.
Event organiser Craig Blizzard said the third annual Shepparton Tradies and Farmers Day came from humble beginnings.
‘‘It started as a bit of a laugh with a good speaker,’’ he said.
The format was originally a Friday barbecue lunch.
‘‘It was pretty simple and turned from a barbecue and beer (into the current format).’’
But after tradesmen contacted them and said they would like to come along, Mr Blizzard said they decided to put on a show.
What began as an event with six stalls and about 80 attendees soon turned into one with 34 stalls last year.
‘‘They loved it and they wanted more,’’ Mr Blizzard said.
With a sports show also concluding the event each year, it was decided to expand entry to farmers after the sports stallholders passed on their tickets last year.
‘‘They had the greatest time,’’ Mr Blizzard said. ‘‘I think it released a lot of pressure.’’ Rex Hunt will join the event to talk all things fishing, AFL and his experiences working as a policeman for 25 years.
‘‘It’s growing each year,’’ Mr Blizzard said, noting it was the only event he had found nationwide for all forms of tradesmen and farmers.
‘‘(We want to) get people buying from suppliers Tough: in Shepparton because we are a central regional city.’’
Shepparton’s Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety owner Rob Jones said the business had been involved with the event from the beginning.
‘‘We’re donating about $2040 worth of goods this year,’’ he said.
He said there would be a total of 13 prizes up for grabs including 10 FXD clothing gift packs and three pairs of suede zip-up work boots. ● The Shepparton Tradies and Farmers’ Day will be tomorrow at the Shepparton Showgrounds from 11 am to 6 pm. For tickets phone Craig Blizzard on 0417 505 818, Jason Ritchie on 0407 160 195 or Dean Walton on 0439 455 250.