THE Euroa Agricultural Show appears to be staying as fresh and relevant as ever, with the 132-year-old event last weekend counting strong gate-takings and receiving glowing reviews.
Euroa Agricultural Society president Lyndal Dean said while an official attendance figure had not yet been calculated, she estimated a record number of pavilion entries and potentially record gate-takings.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Ms Dean said on Sunday afternoon: “I think everyone feels Euroa’s show is a really traditional country agriculture show.”
“Last year, we thought the show was good… coming back from COVID, coming back from the floods,” she said.
“And I just reckon [this year] was another level up.
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“A few of us on the exec [committee] had a chat about that last night, and I think that everybody got that vibe.”
Ms Dean said one of her highlights had been meeting Farmer Tom (Tabilk’s Thomas Boyer), the recent Farmer Wants a Wife contestant who opened this year’s show.
Another standout feature was the Victorian Yard Dog Championship held at the showgrounds from Friday to Sunday, which drew strong crowds and even attracted the ABC’s Warwick Long, who recorded his Victorian Country Hour radio program live from the event on Friday.
Four bird sculptures at the show, created by local artists Tank and Tobin, also proved popular.
The show saw the welcome return of two popular additions that debuted last year: Friday night’s Speed Shear and Saturday’s ferret racing.
Pavilion stalwart Christine John said the show’s pavilion was a success, with potentially a record number of entries and plenty of positive feedback from attendees.
“The crowd today has probably been one of our best,” she said on Saturday.
“And everybody who's spoken to us as they've gone past has commented on what a wonderful show it's been.”
Euroa Agricultural Society executive committee member Neville Mawson said the trades section was an improvement from last year, with more displays, including a good selection of tractors, emergency services stalls, a Strathbogie Shire Council stall, and several vendors.
He said the event’s future was bright.
“Judging from this last weekend, it's got a great future,” Mr Mawson said.
“Everybody still comes out.
“There were people I hadn’t seen; there were people who said their families came from Melbourne and they hadn’t had a country show experience before, and they just loved it.
“You've got to look at those sorts of things, and keep looking at activities or displays that will bring people to it.”
Some of the familiar favourites at this year’s show included whip-cracker Stewart Bryant, wildlife demonstrations by Black Snake Productions, the petting zoo, rides, the kids’ talent show, and the many outdoor sections such as wool fleece, poultry and horses.
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