Honouring a show stalwart
Buildings, bridges, parks and streets often honour long-time contributions to community.
For Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society stalwart Max Schmidt, however, it’s a sandpit.
Mr Schmidt, a 50-year veteran of the show, has long taken pride in bringing sand to the showground to create a sandpit for children to play.
Now, with the assistance of grants funding, the show society has installed two sandpits fittingly called ‘Max Schmidt’s sandpit’ ahead of the show’s 131st instalment in March.
It will also serve as the location for a ‘sandpit dig’ during the show.
“My father used to bring me to the show. He was the one who got me involved and it went on from there. I’ve loved the show all my life,” he said. “I’ve had cancer for 11 years and I’m still having chemo – so I’m not quite as active as I used to be – but I still love the show and I’ll love it until I go down.”
Mr Schmidt said shearing was the ‘best drawcard’ for the show.
He acknowledged the work of secretary, Judith Bysouth.
Mrs Bysouth has also secured funding for a new raised shearing board for the show, and to install new shade sails at the showground.
“All the grant money that she gets, and all the work she puts in is incredible,” Mr Schmidt said.
The Natimuk show and Farmers Market Plus is at Natimuk Showground on Saturday, March 25.
The program includes yard dogs and horse events, shearing and woolhandling competitions, car and beaut utes competition and lifestyle pavilion competitions.
A circus workshop, mask-making, a Lego competition, rock-climbing wall and virtual reality grain arcade are also among attractions.
Natimuk Brass Band, Horsham Rural City Band and folk singer-songwriter Maurice Conway will perform and children’s entertainment is also available.
Online ticketing is available via www.ticketebo.com.au/natimukshow and available at the gate.
People can go to www.vicagshows.com.au/natimuk-show for the full schedule and more information.