Show hits new high

Horsham Show leaders believe the event’s future is looking bright following the successful running of the 140th annual show.

Horsham Agricultural Society secretary Andrea Cross said the committee was delighted with the outcome of changes to the show’s layout in 2018.

The society chose to capitalise on its river frontage and housed most of its attractions at Horsham Showground’s Maydale Reserve section.

“We were delighted with the crowd – numbers were up on previous years. I think the weather played a big part,” Mrs Cross said.

“Entries might have been down for some competitions but they were up for others.

“The shearing competition went mad. We had nearly 50 entries for the shearing and wool-handling competitions.”

Among changes this year was a new food and wine festival.

“It was in a simply beautiful setting and the crowd was very happy,” Mrs Cross said.

“We ended up paying the band to play a little longer because everyone was having such a great time.” Mrs Cross said other highlights included a visit from Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride participants on their vintage motorbikes and the reinvigoration of a ‘mini grand parade’ led by Horsham Pipe Band.

Society leaders announced this year’s show ambassadors, with Matthew Ough named junior ambassador and Mathew Hill claiming the rural show ambassador title.

“Both play a huge part in the show. Mathew Hill is our chief sheep steward and Matthew Ough is our youngest member of the committee. He’s only 17 and worked tirelessly on the day, doing lots of odd jobs,” Mrs Cross said.

She said the show’s new layout drew praise from the Victorian Showmen’s Guild.

“Our feedback from them and from the community has been phenomenal,” she said.

“The best thing is that this is our first time with this layout and there are still wonderful opportunities for us to improve.

“We would like to thank the community for supporting us and the show.

“We went out on a limb this year and it paid off.”