GROUND improvements and a successful annual show were highlights of the 2019 calendar year for the Millicent Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral Society.
Show Society president Neville Copping tabled an upbeat annual report at its recent annual general meeting.
He acknowledged the work of office-holders as well as the convenors of various attractions.
Mr Copping told the assembled members he was in awe of how much had been achieved at the Millicent Showgrounds in the past 12 months.
“With the help of the Millicent Lions Club and the work for the dole group we have a new secretary’s office and the old sheep pen shed has now become an undercover eating and rest area,” Mr Copping said.
“The Showmen’s Guild camping site has new water supply for their caravans and a new ticket office is under construction at the main gate with the existing one being relocated to Tantrams Lane.
“The horse yards are being renovated and finally somewhere in the region of 100 litres of paint have been used within the showgrounds.”
Mr Copping said the three-day annual show was a great spectacle with all of the usual activities.
“The motocross was its usual highlight on Friday night and having the bar next to the track was a success,” he said.
“The big screen financed by the motocross club was a huge success.
“The animal nursery was bigger and better again and now is without a doubt the best in country South Australia.
“The racing ride-on lawnmowers increased in numbers to having two and a half times as many racing in 2019 with people from all over South Australia, plus some from Victoria.
“This is an area of our show that I believe will increase dramatically if we can continue to develop the track and infrastructure.”
Mr Copping said the fireworks show was the best in country South Australia and would be bigger and better in 2020.
“The Demo Derby drew the crowds again, programmed earlier than advertised because of commitments in Victoria,” he said.
“There was plenty of spectacular action during the event because of the rain we had leading up to the derby.
“Unfortunately, we did not have any stud cattle in 2019, but I believe we can get that back on track with a little bit of innovation.
“The rest of the show was up to its usual high standard and was received with appreciation from the general public.
“The weather was not kind to us once again on the Thursday/Friday.
“The gate was down a little mainly due to the Friday’s weather.
“Fortunately, we were able to successfully claim from the adverse weather fund which makes the total gate income comparable with the previous year.”
Mr Copping said the RV Park was starting to get busier as it becomes better known and it is looking fabulous at the moment.
He said the first-year income has been steady and was improving all the time.
