This year’s 150th Daylesford and District Agricultural Show at the Daylesford Showgrounds in Victoria Park proved to be the most successful for many years. A big crowd of over 3,250 came through the gate in near perfect weather.
Don Harvey, President of the Daylesford and District Agricultural Society said the weather was part of the success but a very hardworking committee, good advertising and a small army of teal clad volunteers were crucial to the success of the Show. Don also thanked local businesses for their generous sponsorship and the Hepburn Shire staff who did such a wonderful job of preparing the grounds.
The show animals segment seems smaller without cattle or goats but with over 400 show dogs and over 200 enthusiastic owners the dog area behind the Poultry Pavilion was bustling.
The newly named David Yoxall Poultry Pavilion, the main Victoria Park Pavilion, the Tom Ford Pavilion and the Rijk Zwaan Hall of Flowers were all buzzing with visitors and exhibitors on Saturday. There was something for everyone with hours of horse events on the oval, the usual rides and carnival stalls and 27 local stalls, selling an impressive range, including local foods and beverages.
The shade sail area used as a music venue for local singing and music groups under the direction of Show Society Secretary Rosemary McLean. Tables and chairs in this area became a place of respite for families before moving the youngsters on.
The Hall of Flowers was very busy with the biggest Flower Show in Daylesford for over 25 years. The Hall included a number of farming and environment related stands and the usual big display from Spring Park Nursery. Local horticultural groups, The Friends of Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens and the Daylesford Horticultural Society, were also represented.
The Honourable Catherine King MP, Member for Ballarat, opened the show describing it as one of her favourite events of the year. She said that the trees of Victoria Park made the Daylesford Showgrounds one of the loveliest places she visits each year. She described the 150th show as the most exciting and enjoyable she could remember in over twenty years of attending and speaking at the event.
One drawback of the fine, hot weather was the cancellation of the popular Petting Zoo which cannot operate if the forecast temperature is 33 degrees or higher. The Society offered an apology to those who were looking forward to the Zoo. Animal welfare and compliance is a high priority for the Agricultural Society. However, children were able to pat the ponies in the “Bullring”, be delighted by the beautiful Gypsy Cob draught horses and learn about volunteer ferret rescue and care.
On the main arena there were seven different Horse rings operating plus Showjumping. The premier Showjumping award, the Catherine King Trophy, was won outright by Stuart Walker of Bacchus Marsh, his third consecutive win. The Riding for the Disabled ring also had its biggest turnout in many years.
This year’s 150th Show was a tribute to the many the volunteers, helpers, competitors, officials and many other people who have helped with the show over the years.
This article is based on a media release from the Daylesford and District Agricultural Society.
