River focus for show
Horsham Agricultural Society leaders will look to capitalise on prime river frontage when they bring a new-look Horsham Show to life at the weekend.
The show, celebrating its 140th year, will house most of its attractions at Maydale Reserve, accessed through the historic Langlands Gates at Horsham Showground.
Festivities will kick off on Saturday night with a ‘show eve carnival’ from 5pm to 10pm, with the main show day from 10am to 10pm on Sunday. The Saturday carnival will feature rides only, while the main show day boasts an action-packed calendar.
Horsham Agricultural Society secretary Andrea Cross said the organisation’s leaders had embraced change in 2018 to ensure the show’s longevity.
“It will be different – so expect it to be different,” she said. “However, we think different is a good thing. The most feedback we get is that ‘the show was the same again’. So this year we’re shaking it up.”
Mrs Cross said taking advantage of the Wimmera River precinct was a top priority this year.
“We want to show everyone how beautiful the river is and what an asset it is,” she said.
“We as a society want to help activate the precinct and show others what an amazing backdrop it can be for events.”
Mrs Cross said the new Ag Show Food and Wine Fest on Sunday was a perfect example.
“To highlight our wonderful river we are going to have a food and wine festival, featuring Seppelt wines, Prickly Moses handcrafted beers and live music from Acousticus Stomp,” she said.
“As evening falls, people can warm up alongside a patio heater while watching the river-gum light show and spectacular fireworks from 8.45pm.
“We are really excited about the fireworks sound show, which will feature music from The Greatest Showman.”
Fun for everyone
Mrs Cross said the show committee had spent months ensuring the 140th annual show offered something for everyone.
“Visitors to the show can reacquaint themselves with the Maydale Pavilion where they will find The Naked Farmer among the fleece, sheep, miniature goats, shearing and wool-handling competitions,” she said.
“In addition, there will be an interactive display of historical memorabilia including footage of days gone by located alongside the new home for the photography competition.”
The popular animal nursery is back, there is a new hub for children’s entertainment and The Cattle Shed will house the home industries and handcraft sections.
“Overlooking the river will be a car enthusiast’s paradise with the beaut ute competition and an enormous display of speedway cars, Variety Club Bash vehicles, a truck display and vintage farm equipment,” Mrs Cross said.
Horsham truck driver Kevin Roberts has created a truck show for this year’s event, which has generated plenty of interest.
There will also be a pet show, dog obedience and wood-chopping demonstrations, prizes up for grabs at a ‘diamond dig’ and new ‘vegetable garden in a wheelbarrow’ and ‘decorated tables’ competitions.
The old cattle yards will be turned into a street of cubby houses, people can make scarecrows in Scarecrow Alley and tours of the historic stables in the Tucker Pavilion will be available.
“Everyone always wants to know what rides we’ve got coming and I think people will be pleased to know ‘No Limit’ is back. It’s one of the most terrifyingly good rides on the show circuit at the moment,” Mrs Cross said.
“We also have a range of food trucks and trade sites, along with showbags and sideshows.”
Milestones
Mrs Cross said the society was thrilled to acknowledge the contributions of three long-serving councillors this year.
Barry Gross has chalked up 50 years of service to the society, Tom Blair 40 years and Bob Jackman, 30.
“That’s 120 years of combined service to the society and the Horsham community – what a wonderful contribution,” Mrs Cross said.
Admission to the 140th grand annual Horsham Show is $5 on Saturday night.
On Sunday, entry is free for pre-schoolers, $10 for students-concession and $15 for adults. Family tickets are $33 for a family of four and $55 for five-plus.
Tickets are available online at www.trybooking.com/usve or at the gate.