Warrnambool Agricultural Society volunteers Keith McLeod and Cath Crothers at work displaying the record number of junior art entries.
THE Year of the Farmer will be among the themes for the Warrnambool agricultural show when it opens tomorrow.
Displays of old and new farming machinery, an exhibition of farming-related artworks and working dog demonstrations are among the activities aimed at promoting farming to the community.
Free health checks sponsored by the National Centre for Farmer Health will also be available in the showgrounds’ Wannon Rooms tomorrow and Saturday.
The farm theme will continue with a fun children’s maze made from hay bales.
The shears will fly when gun shearers from throughout the nation take part in a shearing competition tomorrow and Saturday.
Warrnambool Agricultural Society secretary Mike Farrow said this year’s show would feature a wealth of local musical talent with 25 bands performing over the three days.
The music has been organised by the South West Victoria Music Festival committee and will take place on the big stage.
Comic entertainment will also be on offer for both adults and children. One half of the Crackup Sisters will demonstrate whip cracking and slapstick comedy, the Tutti Frutti comedy duo will present a stage show and roving appearances and Toot the clown will perform a magic rocket show.
Show favourites will return, including fireworks on Saturday night, show rides, show bags and the animal nursery. Equestrian, dairy and other livestock judging will also feature.
The junior art section at the art and craft pavilion has received a record number of more than 900 entries. The pavilion’s chief steward Karen Jackson said eye-catching displays using recycled materials had been created by schools on the Year of the Farmer theme. The pavilion will also host a chess tournament tomorrow, a scone challenge and handyman workshops.
ehimmelreich@standard.fairfax.com.au
