General News
30 September, 2024
Horsham Show draws thousands for iconic weekend of fun and entertainment
Smiles, shearing, spectacula: Families flock to 2024 Horsham Show
The Grand Annual Horsham Agricultural Show has capped off a memorable weekend of fun and entertainment.
The September 27-28 event attracted thousands of people of all ages to the Maydale Reserve for the 148th iteration of the Horsham drawcard.
Event organiser Andrea Cross said seeing a sea of faces flow through the gates was tremendous.
"It was great to see so many people from outside the region," she said.
"We saw many families come home to see their parents and come to the show.
"Once the sun was shining the crowd bursted through the gates."
As families walked through the carnival with broad smiles, patrons could also marvel at art exhibitions, see cute and cuddly animals up close and enjoy a wide array of international fare.
Mrs Cross said the rides, entertainment and community events were a personal highlight in 2024.
"I loved the monster truck and camel rides," she said.
"The Makers pavilion was warmly received; we had more entries than last year.
"We also decorated the pavilion. It is a bit fancier than last year, and the feedback on social media was great.
"The wrestling had toddlers right up to their grandparents cheering and booing. It was fantastic entertainment.
Mrs Cross said the wrestling had a nostalgic feel, with the Horsham Show holding boxing exhibitions in previous generations.
She also praised one of the hardest-working entertainers in the Wimmera.
"Donna Sparks, our roving entertainer, worked hard all day," she said.
"She had people spinning plates ... during the fireworks, she lit hula hoops and had everyone amazed.
"Also, the inaugural Emergency Services Cup was a real highlight of the weekend.
"Throughout the day, members of our emergency services ran obstacle courses. The Ambulance crew came out winners.
In the shearing shed, a packed room watched some of the nation's best show off their skills.
"We had about 20 shearers on the day, including half a dozen of the Australia's top shearers," organiser Peter Jackman said.
"A couple of them will soon represent Victoria at the state competition.
"We had some of the best wool handlers going around too.
"It created a great rivalry and a high level of competition."