THE 144th Millicent Show began this morning for three days of fun and competition following a hiatus last year caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, organisers have put in place measures to comply with Covid-19 restrictions and, following hot on the heels of the successful Mount Gambier Show run under similar conditions, the Millicent Show is sure to be welcomed by a community starved of many of its normal events due to the pandemic over the last 18 months.
Not least of those welcoming the show’s return is the Showmen’s Guild of South Australia which supplies rides and sideshow alley equipment for shows and festivals around the State.
With many shows cancelled due to the pandemic, President of the Guild, Daryl Girdler welcomed the Millicent Show and praised organisers while he was helping to set up Sideshow Alley at the Millicent showgrounds earlier this week.
“Where we would normally do about 12 shows we’ve only done five shows in the same period,” he said.
“It’s been a tough year but we’re looking forward to once again putting smiles on lots of kids faces.
“The Millicent Show organisers are quite incredible really,” he said.
“This show is one of the best we go to as it is packed with so many features for show goers to enjoy.
“It’s good entertainment value for their money.”
Mr Girdler said 14 rides are operating at the show with everything to please from the older thrill seekers to small children and having hand sanitiser at the entrance to each ride and extra cleans between rides were some of the measures put in place to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.
In addition to side show alley swinging into action today, 13 times Australian aerobatic champion, 82 year old Chris Sperou will be performing this evening while the ever popular motocross will roar into action tonight on the newly upgraded track at the showgrounds.
Tomorrow Chris Sperou will take to the skies again in the afternoon and the motorbikes will continue racing while other features of the day include lawnmower racing, yard dog competitions, and a unique vehicle and stationary engine display. The traditional grand parade will be followed by the popular demolition derby.
Other activities include face painting, show person competitions, roving entertainment, indoor displays and livestock judging, along with three days of horses-in-action including hacks, show jumping and, on Sunday, a stockman’s challenge, harness and topsy ring.
Tickets to the show can be purchased by scanning a QR code on the show’s website, or can be purchased during the show at the Adelaide Road entrance only.
