A $50 note can get families a long way at the Warrnambool Show. JOCELYN NELMES got a taste of the event...
THE aim of the Warrnambool Show to be affordable and family friendly has hit the mark with a successful opening day of the 2016 event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Standard undertook a $50 challenge, aiming to see just how much fun we could have for that amount.
The day started with a $15 entry fee. While that was the cost of an adult ticket, primary school-aged children were able to enter for free and secondary-aged children for only $5.
One woman said she was amazed she could bring five children under 12 and only have to part with $15 of her hard-earned cash.
Next we cured our hunger pains with what else but a dagwood dog. This traditional show dish cost us $6 and energised us for the journey ahead..
Showbags have a bad reputation as being expensive and struggling to be value for money.
But with some careful shopping, we were able to find a bargain, snagging a three-for-one deal for just $15. Next, we went looking for a ride. With a small range in pricing but a wide range in experience, we settled for an $8 adventure. A game on the clowns followed for $5.
That took our total to $49 and had our budget exhausted.
But the free entertainment on offer meant the fun was far from finished.
The free Eroni’s circus has frequent shows daily, ranging from 11am, 2pm 4pm and one extra Saturday night at 7pm.
Circus ropes spinner Kelly Maynard said the family circus was off to a great start.
Chainsaw artist Angie Polgaze said this weekend’s project would feature a mystical beast. As her second year at the show, Ms Polgaze said she was excited to be back after great feedback last year.
Mobile zoo keepers Jamie and Kim Lind of Ararat are enjoying their first year at the show. Their zoo features native animals such as snakes, a dingo, a golden brushtail possum, a blue and gold macaw as well as a tawny frog mouth owl. Mr Lind said its was a “natural wildlife display” that is “fully integrated with the children.”
Arts and crafts can be found in the pavilion, featuring student art and competition displays. The cake decorating competition featured designs ranging from a ginger bread house, chess board and a hamburger and chips.
Thermomix displays can also be found inside the pavilion with representatives saying there would be something new to test and taste every hour, on the hour.
Free pony rides were on offer and the Kings College Band provided musical entertainment.
The best news is it all starts again on Saturday.
