Energy high for ‘normal’ event
Abuzz is in the air among exhibitors and organisers for the return of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Three years on since the last time Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong was bursting at the seams with agricultural machinery, farmers and industry professionals, the field days are back.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Vanessa Lenehan said it was fantastic to see the field days return.
“We managed to host the event in 2020 with a week to spare before COVID lockdowns, and in 2022 we nearly got there but had to cancel,” she said.
“That was a bit of a practice run of planning the event, but finally we get to see it to the end and see all our hard work come to fruition.”
Western Victorian Wholesalers will be one of many exhibitors at the Wimmera Events Centre this year.
General manager Darren Scott said he was looking forward to being back after two years away from the event.
“We get to see such a variety of people throughout the three days,” he said.
“We get to meet potential clients and people who didn’t know us previously.
“It helps us branch into new areas, and for people who are not looking for us to see us there and find a way to work together.”
Mr Scott said the team was ‘very prepared’ for the field days.
“We have plenty of stock and have industry professionals joining us from the various products we have, to showcase more of what we offer,” he said.
“It’s just good to be back – the field days are good for the local economy and local people.
“It will be a positive event, which is exactly what we need in 2023.”
Wimmera Machinery Field Days president Tim Rethus agreed the energy was positive for this year’s event.
“After two years off and all the excitement we’ve seen with other field days that have returned, there seems to be a lot of interest,” he said.
“We’ve had a really good response from our exhibitors – it’s going to be a really full site this year and the energy is there for 2023.
“I think people are keen to come to the field days, so I am excited to run this one after so long.”
Mr Rethus said being back together was the biggest highlight of this year’s event.
“It’s pretty special to get all the crew back together again. The committee has been running on ‘slo-mo’ for the past two years, so to be back into the work is great,” he said.
“When we’re on-site together, the banter and energy we get from being there and getting the work done is the best.”
Mrs Lenehan said the field days were ‘back to normal’.
“We’re still going to have sanitiser stations for those who wish to use them, but there are no restrictions on people who can come out,” she said.
“I think the best part of 2023 will be seeing all the exhibitors again – having them come back and going around and seeing them and showing them we’re thankful for their support.
“Also, to have the general public come through the gates will be great.
“The impact this has on the town is huge – it will be so good to see Horsham alive with a good vibe around the place because the field days are happening.”