DESPITE below average stall numbers, organisers have praised the success of the 41st South East Field Days.
The two-day event saw thousands of people descend on Lucindale’s Yakka Park over the weekend for the popular agricultural showcase.
Event secretary Lyn Crosby said organisers were “ecstatic” with this year’s action-packed event.
“This is due to the drought in New South Wales, as we usually have companies (attend) from over there and they are just doing it so tough at the moment,” she said.
Around 24,000 customers walked through the gates over the two days, with an additional 10 bus loads of school students and three bus loads of nursing home visitors.
“It was a fantastic success and the weather was absolutely perfect,” Ms Crosby said.
“The exhibitors sold out on the day.”
The Salvation Army was in full force, with collection tins for drought relief at each gate and although some sales did not go as well as planned, all exhibitors were happy.
The popular metal sculpture competition was a great success with a number of entries, with Poss Pretlove winning gold for his piece Hard Yakka.
In the school open category, Lucindale Area School students Elysa Arnold and Christie Bauer placed first for their ‘Catch of the Day’ sculpture.
Lucindale Lions $500 Lucky Program winners were Karla McCarthy and Dee Miller.
The $100 Raffle was won by Yvonne Hinton.
This year’s best overall exhibit was awarded to Limestone Motorcycles and Small Engines.
“We would like to thank the Lucindale community from the bottom of our hearts,” Ms Crosby said.
“The South East Field Days is owned and run by the Lucindale Lions Club and we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts from the wonderful Lucindale community.”
Next year’s event will be held on March 20 and 21.
