THE 2019 Nathalia show has been hailed a huge success.
With mother nature turning on a perfect spring day for the event on Saturday, it was no surprise that numbers through the gate were well up on last year.
In fact, Nathalia Agricultural Society publicity officer Ellen Morcombe told the Leader that numbers were up all round on last year.
“We had over 150 horses entered, which is half as many again as last year, dairy cow numbers were also up, and there was a lot of fresh produce entered in the pavilion, along with plenty of entries in other categories,” she said.
The cattle, sheep, poultry and petting zoo shed was abuzz with activity and excitement, as too was sideshow alley.
However, it was one of the oldest events, and one of the newest, that proved the most popular.
The sheepdog trials, appearing at Nathalia show for the 85th time, drew a huge crowd, as young and old gathered to witness the skills of the clever dogs and their handlers.
The skills on show at the Young Farmers Challenge may have been of a slightly more questionable benefit, but were all the more entertaining for it.
The challenge is only in its second year, but it has already grown to feature a junior category for the youngest of young farmers.
Whilst the juniors competed in events including egg and spoon and human wheelbarrow races, the seniors raced with humans in wheelbarrows, before making a cup of coffee and racing through an obstacle course with it to see who had the most left at the end.
“It was hilarious, and I think the spectators had just as much fun as the competitors,” Ms Morcombe said.
That was just the tip of the entertainment iceberg though.
There were also rock ‘n’ roll displays, a wildlife discovery tent, farm yard antics pony activity course, and a thrilling dog high jump in which the winner cleared a whooping 1.7metres.
As always, there were also plenty of thrills to be had in sideshow alley, on the rides and inside the showbags as well.
“It was awesome to see so many people having so much fun at our little country show,” Ms Morcombe said.
The true value of the annual show was probably best summed up by Samuel James from Rex James Stockfeed, which is the event’s gold sponsor, who officially opened the event.
Mr James described 125 years as a wonderful achievement.
“It’s great to see some multi-generational family involvement, not only in the committee and their work, but also the many exhibitors and visitors,” he said.
“I have many great memories of attending the show as a youngster with my family, and it’s great to be able to still attend the show with my family again this year.”
