General News
18 October, 2023
Warracknabeal Show did go on, through rain, hail and shine
RAIN and hail did little to dampen the spirits of showgoers at Warracknabeal Show on Thursday, with a good crowd rugging up to enjoy the rides, competitions and show fare offered. Warracknabeal Show Committee president Cameron Drage said the day...
RAIN and hail did little to dampen the spirits of showgoers at Warracknabeal Show on Thursday, with a good crowd rugging up to enjoy the rides, competitions and show fare offered.
Warracknabeal Show Committee president Cameron Drage said the day went really well
"Although the gate ticket numbers were down, the pre-sold ticket numbers were up so it worked out to be an average year," he said.
"We were happy with the free kids' stuff offered, including the hula hoops, sandpit, messy play and Level Up Gaming.
"It was good to see the Zipper return, and the rides running for most of the day.
"I was surprised by the high number of homecraft competition entries, as well as the number of people who competed in the Lego competition, where entries were full."
Early-afternoon hail sent showgoers scurrying for cover, but lasted for only a few minutes, and the wintery weather saw the show sell out of baked potatoes and coffee as visitors sought warmth.
"The terrible weather had perfect timing," Mr Drage said.
"At 1.55pm we had sunny skies with some black clouds, but by the opening at 2pm we had rain and hail."
Horse steward Nadine Jenkinson said she was happy the events were able to return after rain forced their cancellation last year.
"Numbers were down a little but we were very happy with the turnout and that we were still able to go ahead," she said.
"Horses jumped until the afternoon and the topsy ring for the kids was well attended."
Australian Sheaf Toss Association president and Australian champion Andrew Peterkin had a great day out at the show, not only defending his state title to win his seventh Victorian championship, but also claiming the open handicap on a countback.
Melanie Bentley also defended her title on homeground to win her fourth Victorian women's championship, ahead of runner-up Jenny Henshaw, also of Warracknabeal.
Steward Ian Bibby said although the weather presented a challenge for the competition, which was shorter on numbers this year, he was pleased with the overall day and the quality of competitors.
The beloved Grand Parade also proved a success, despite some confusion over the starting time due to the weather.
Mr Drage said he wanted to apologise to anyone who missed out on entering the parade due to the time confusion.
He also apologised for the "teething issues" as the committee trialled a new prize-money collection system.
"We recognise what we did wrong and will improve on it next year,” he assured.
Mr Drage said the Warracknabeal Agricultural and Pastoral Society invited anyone wishing to get involved with the show to contact the society.
"You don't necessarily have to attend the meetings as there are other ways to be involved - for example, Rotary man the gate, Events Warracknabeal are in charge of the animal nursery, Brim Lions Club host the barbecue and Apex run their pick-a-box," he said.