Show and carnival combine in one day
The Warragul Show will take on a new format this year with show day and the evening carnival both on Saturday, followed by a horse program on Sunday.
It is the first time the horse show has been held separately to the rest of the show program.
Organisers also have chosen to move away from the show eve carnival, instead combining all the show day activities into one day to give patrons a continuous program of events from 9am to 11pm.
Organisers said the new format was aimed at attracting more people and to provide a continuing program of events and activities for people arriving later on Saturday afternoon.
“A lot of people work on Friday and work in the city so Saturday night will make it more accessible for families.
“We have had a lot of good feedback from it so far,” said secretary Tonnie Schipper.
The Warragul Show will be a showcase of the district’s agricultural strengths while also providing carnival entertainment for families.
Traditional agricultural activities and carnival entertainment will combine on Saturday.
Organisers are hoping for fine weather and well-behaved crowds to make this year another successful local event.
Gates will open at 9am and judging will be already underway in some of the cattle rings.
The municipal and youth municipal bands will start entertaining patrons from 10am.
On the main arena, Warragul regional College will run a variety of kids games and activities from 10am.
One of the entertaining features of this year’s show will be Gippsland Swordcraft who will stage medieval fantasy battle games on the main oval.
About 60 people will be involved in this live action, role playing games that will be staged throughout the day at about 11.30am, 4pm and 7pm.
Emergency services displays will be staged at 11am and 5pm.
The wood chopping, conducted by the South and Central Axeman’s Association, guarantees to take centre stage and be one of the major highlights of the program.
Audiences will have five hours to view some of the wood chopping action that gets underway at noon.
A motorbike spectacular and TC Trickz stunt show will be features on the main oval on Saturday.
The wood sculpture is returning this year to amaze crowds with his creations while patrons also can watch sheep shearing and wool spinning demonstrations.
The dog high jump also has proven a very popular feature on the program over recent years with large crowds always gathering to watch the skill and athleticism of the dogs entered in the competition.
This has proven to be a great spectacle for patrons in past years, with crowds of people gathering to watch the skill and talents of dogs entered in this competition. The dog high jump will get underway at 2pm.
Clowns also will be roving through the crowd, entertaining youngsters and amusing adults.
Saturday’s attractions also will include an extensive line-up that reflects the agricultural diversity of West Gippsland.
Patrons will be able to wander around the showgrounds and have plenty to look at in every corner from the vintage cars and engines display by Baw Baw Engines, to a trades’ display, horses on the main arena, cattle judging and a visit to the exhibition hall - as well as lots of other judging.
As well as horses and cattle, there will be other animals on show including dairy goats, poultry, rabbits and budgerigars.
The animal farm will be a great attraction, particularly for younger show patrons who want to get up close and personal with their favourite animals.