ALL the fun, flair and flavour of the Warrnambool agricultural show made its annual return yesterday in its 161st year.
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School students, community groups and young families were among those enjoying perfect conditions at the Warrnambool Showgrounds, from the indoor shearing and cooking demonstrations to the outdoor show rides and equestrian displays.
Show manager Mike Farrow said the weather forecast could not have been better for the event this weekend.
“The crowd is bigger and you can only be so happy with the weather,” he said.
“The Wannon Rooms are a hit so far with the trade sites and celebrity cooking.
“This year the Animals 2U nursery is a bit more interactive than previously.”
First Light Entertainment performer Di Paulger put smiles on plenty of faces with her stilt-walking antics around the showgrounds.
“We’re making balloons, running circus workshops and having a really good time,” she said.
“The weather is great and it’s such a beautiful showgrounds.
“We’re excited to be here.”
Travelling showman Barry Stone said he had been touring with his sideshow stall for 30 years.
“I love the people I meet and seeing everything once a year,” he said.
“There’s a good camaraderie.
“A lot has changed, but the clowns, the shooting gallery, the balloon bust will never die.
“Others come and go but they’re here to stay.”
Coast FM radio host Lauren Temuskos and 3YB’s Jon Vertigan and Maria Foundas found themselves competing in the unlikely event of cooking omelettes.
Vertigan said the celebrity cook-off was a chance to unveil his secret recipe.
“Maria says it’s not serious but I think she’s been practicing,” he said.
“My motivation is to beat the girls.
“We each have our own recipe. Chorizo sausage is my secret ingredient.”
As always, the show offered many fast-food options but at lunchtime some found comfort in the Country Women’s Association’s traditional sandwiches and scones inside the new arts and craft shed.
Allansford CWA vice-president Bev Byron said in two hours they had used six tubs of cream on their homemade scones.
“They’re all baked right here on site,” she said.
“Scones at this stage seem to be the most popular, with homemade plum and raspberry jam.
“Most of the money we raise goes to charity and we like to keep it local because mostly local people are the ones supporting us.”
Elaine Oliver, from the Warrnambool Horticultural Society, said competition entries were of a high standard despite being down on previous numbers.
“We’re very grateful to the people in the community who brought their entries for the show.
“Part of the reason we do it is so people can look through and be encouraged to do their garden or veggies.”
Judging the Australian natives and shrubs, Roslyn Thomson said people enjoyed seeing the fruits of their labour on display.
“It takes a lot of work to put things in to the competition, and it takes a lot of time,” Mrs Thomson said.