GREY skies did not dampen the spirit of thousands of show-goers who flocked to the Gordon Memorial Oval over the weekend for the 142nd Millicent Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Show.
While a buzz of excitement surrounded the event’s traditional attractions – including sideshow alley, the motocross and demo derby – crowds also enjoyed a number of new additions to this year’s program.
Millicent Show Society secretary Bev Copping said gate numbers had not yet been finalised, but she believed attendance was higher compared to previous years.
“This year’s show was definitely a huge success,” she said.
“One of the biggest highlights from the weekend was the general comments we received in regards to how good the showgrounds are looking.
“Everybody was stopping people and commenting, so that was one really positive thing that we had.
“The other was the motocross, they drew a huge crowd, as well as the demo derby and the lawnmower races, which were in their first year.”
Festivities kicked off on Friday afternoon with the popular motocross and sideshow alley drawing huge crowds of all ages before an impressive fireworks display.
The newly revamped animal nursery also proved to be a huge hit as people were given the opportunity to get up close and cuddle the cutest of the farmyard gang, including calves, a Shetland pony, a donkey, goats, chicks, kittens and the “not so cuddly” snakes.
“I want to make mention of the animal nursery, Grace and Tina Kealtey did a huge job – I went to get in there at one stage over the weekend and I could not because it was packed,” Ms Copping said.
“They have done so much work in there, it definitely would be one of the highlights of the show.”
Any Other Sunday provided entertainment at the shearing shed well into the night as last drinks were called and the event wrapped up at around midnight in preparation for Saturday’s jam-packed schedule.
The gates opened at 7.30am with the yard dogs, shearing and wool handling competitions.
The sounds of excited squealing children and music from rides could be heard down sideshow alley and the smell of donuts and an array of hot food tempted passers by.
At the centrepiece of this year’s show was the Millicent Country Fire Service which put on a demonstration with their new state of the art cutting equipment, which they used to cut a part an early model sedan.
Champion Rose of the Show and the $500 cash prize from McCourts Garden Centre went to defending champions Boneham Aged Care Services.
Meanwhile, political parties of various colours were represented by Liberal MP Tony Pasin, Labor MLC Claire Scriven and Greens candidate Rosa Hallam.
The 20th anniversary demo derby produced a popular hometown winner in Thomas Garner, youngest son of organiser Jim Garner.
There was a field of 20 including two women and participants from as far away as Adelaide.
The event lasted 10 minutes and delighted a crowd of 400 spectators.
Another popular motor event was the inaugural ride-on lawnmower race on a purpose-built circuit.
Mr Pasin was given the honour of launching the races, staged in association with The Grant Hotel Millicent’s social club.
The Millicent Show wrapped up on Sunday with the show jumping and country kids fun ring.
“It was a really good show overall,” Ms Copping said.
“We would like to thank everybody, all our sponsors – without them we would not be able to run the show – and the committee who has worked very hard, as well as the Wattle Range Council and the Millicent Lions Club.
“It has all come together because of them and all the work they do.
“Now it is back into action for next year.
“We have already started planning for 2019’s show and we have had a little bit of a debrief.”
The Millicent Show Society’s next meeting will be held in December.
