THE best fireworks display and best animal nursery in regional South Australia will be seen at this weekend’s Millicent Show.
This is the proud claim of Millicent Show Society president Neville Copping ahead of the 143rd annual event.
According to Mr Copping, the animal nursery is now at a stage which makes it unrivalled across the state.
He said the show society had again engaged the services of master pyro-technician Rob Balfour and his Pyroshow International company to light up the skies from 9pm on Friday.
“Our fireworks will be bigger, brighter and more spectacular than ever before,” Mr Copping said.
Mr Balfoure said he looked forward to his three-person team putting on a wonderful display.
“The best vantage point is inside the actual showgrounds,” Mr Balfour said.
“We have been coming to Millicent for over 20 years and we put on about 100 displays each year.
“There is a great atmosphere at Millicent and the motocross brings in people from a long way away.
Mr Copping said there are a few additions to the 2019 program including a greater presence of high-powered ride-on lawnmowers.
“They were here on the Saturday of last year’s show but their races were more of a demonstration type,” he said.
“This year the number has grown to 30 and they will be racing on both Friday and Saturday.”
He said the demo derby had been rescheduled for 1pm on Saturday.
Regarding the popular motocross races, Mr Copping said the Millicent Show Society has reconfigured the licensed area.
“This means that spectators can have a beer and be much closer to the bike-riding action.”
Among the other show attractions spruiked by Mr Copping are the unique car display, shearing, indoor sections along with wool, cattle and sheep.
He said members of the Showmen’s Guild were now camped in sideshow alley after having rides and stalls at the Penola Show on the weekend.
“The rain over the past few days has freshened up the showgrounds nicely.”
Mr Copping said he was too busy with administrative chores to indulge in his horse-riding events at his home show this weekend.
However, he is among the 32 entries in the running for the $200 prize in the Blokes Choc Bake contest.
In a break from usual practice, a number of Millicent schools have opted to schedule a pupil-free day on Friday.
