By Paul Dunlop
AN early shower, then plenty of sunshine gave Pakenham Show Day a fresh sparkle on Saturday.
The rain, heartily welcomed by farmers, sprinkled the arena in the morning but cleared to make the 96th show another bright and breezy success.
A host of attractions promising fun for the whole family made for a colourful annual showcase of country life.
The big event was opened by longtime show contributor and Victorian Agricultural Shows president Bob Johnson who thanked organisers and the exhibitors who made the event such a success.
Mr Johnson, who recently moved to Echuca with wife Robyn after half a lifetime of involvement with the Berwick and Pakenham shows, said it was great to be back.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to open the show. It’s lovely to be back among friends,” he said. “Agricultural shows are an important part of the community, they provide wonderful entertainment and a family day out and showcase the rural industry in and around the district.
“In times of drought, agricultural shows provide a forum for people to get together and have a bit of a natter about the weather. It’s a good day out,” he said.
Mr Johnson said he was impressed with the quality of exhibits.
Snakes Alive and the Birds of Prey display and the pavilion exhibits were again very popular with show patrons.
Another huge success was Wally Wombat’s Golden Trail, a big hit for the second year with families who followed the Gazette mascot’s tracks to stands around the showgrounds, picking up a host of prizes on the way.
The Golden Trail raised more than $5000, which will be split between the Pakenham Scout Group and Rotary Club of Pakenham, whose members helped man the stalls.
Free blood pressure and blood sugar testing services were provided by the District Nursing Service.
Patrons were able to offer ideas on how to further improve the day at suggestion boxes around the showgrounds at Pakenham racecourse.
MC Peter Deering kept crowds informed and entertained, while the pavilion and arena events were popular.
Live bands, sideshows, whipcracking combined with woodturning and vintage engine displays, trade demonstrations and the junior show personality quest to provide a constant buzz around the grounds.
pictures and results, pages 2025.
