Berwick Show turns on the heat

By Melissa Meehan
SWELTERING conditions didn’t stop the masses attending the Berwick Show on the weekend.
As temperatures neared 38 degrees, young and old left the comfort of their air conditioners and filled Akoonah Park to stuff their faces with local produce, check out the agricultural competitions and defy gravity on carnival rides.
Show president Anne Reynolds said despite Saturday being warm the weekend was a success.
“It was attended fairly well despite the heat,” Ms Reynolds said.
“We had a big crowd Saturday night and a big crowd on Sunday – thanks to all of those people who left their air-conditioned homes to see the show.”
She said the heat affected a few things on Saturday, including the cancellation of the Grand Parade – but said it was because the show committee cared about the health and well being of the animals first and foremost.
“I believe some of the entries were affected by the heat… the dog show was cancelled too,” she said.
“But that’s understandable.”
She said it was wonderful to be able to get local man Craig Membrey to open the show in conjunction with beyondblue.
“For him to open it and raise awareness for beyondblue was just great,” she said.
“And the community support surrounding him and the tractor pull was wonderful to see.”
With another year behind them, the show committee is having a short break before starting to plan for 2013.
“We’re always in need of volunteers and next year is no different, whether its helping in the office or hands on… anything at all would be greatly appreciated.”