Port Fairy is one of the region’s most popular country shows and it’s easy to see why.
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Show secretary Anita Watts said the event remained affordable for families, while also staying true to its agricultural roots.
The 164th Port Fairy Show will be held on Saturday at the town’s showgrounds and has plenty of free entertainment and attractions.
Highlights include puppeteers and a magic show, Jamie and Kim’s mobile zoo, Noodles the clown and Bob the Builder diggers for children to play on.
The popular ride wristband returns for $20 and includes some additional rides this year such as a bucking bull ride and dodgem cars.
Mrs Watts said traditional sections including horses, cattle, poultry, fleece wool, needlework and craft, art and photography, cookery, farm produce, vegetables and honey, dog parade, vintage engines and vehicles and entries would open on Friday.
The long-running rural ambassador award will also be held with sections including show ambassador, junior show ambassador, teens and tiny tots division.
Mrs Watts said they were expecting a large number of entries across the art and photography section with local photographer Oat Vaiyaboon, from Hanging Pixels Photo Art, one of the section’s two judges. The flower display was also popular with show attendees.
“We’re hoping the weather’s going to be a bit kinder this year,” Mrs Watts said. “It was windy last year so we’re hoping for a fine day.”
A working bee on Sunday, helped the small committee get ready for the event with up to 10 community members volunteering their time.
“We were very happy,” she said. “We were able to get some things knocked over. It was great to have the extra helpers. It’s a big lead-up and we’re very appreciative of the support we’re given.
“From the people who do the wristbands and the Rotary members on the gates to the CFA and SES who put on displays. It makes for a good day’s entertainment.”
Mrs Watts said the show was without a president after she stepped down from the role this year, calling for new blood and a fresh approach to the show.
“If anyone out there’s interested in coming on board and taking on the role of president to lighten the load for next year it would be great. We don’t want it to fold. We’re not leaving it, but it would be a shame if it closed because we couldn’t get some support.”
The horse section is the first event starting between 9am and 9.30am with the rides beginning at 10am.
To purchase an early bird family ticket for $20 contact Isabel McLaren on 5568 1226.
To join the committee contact Anita on 5568 2262.