By Colin MacGillivray

Organisers expect a revamped Horsham Showground to lead to more rides and more patrons at this year’s Horsham Show.

Horsham Agricultural Society executive administrator Andrea Cross said the removal of three old buildings had transformed the showground, leaving more space for rides and activities.

For the first time the show’s sideshow alley will be at the northern end of the grounds, with car parking along the riverfront at the southern end.

A new central ticket box will be temporarily installed between the east side of the greyhound track and the river.

Mrs Cross said the changes were a win for show attendees.

“The ‘showies’ are so excited, they’re looking at bringing more rides because there is more space,” she said.

“There is a real buzz in the Showmen’s Guild community and they always talk among themselves.

“Generally, they’ve had to knock people back when they want to bring their rides, but this year there is not going to be any restriction on that.

“It’s a significant change, and we are over the moon about how the grounds are transforming.”

Mrs Cross said there would be many more attractions besides rides.

The show, on September 28 and 29, will feature a series of old and new events including traditional shearing and wool handling competitions, a pony show, working dog demonstrations and helicopter rides.

Mrs Cross said the traditional pet show would also be expanded to include a pet parade at 11am on September 29.

Also included is a Lego-building competition, with a guest judge from Melbourne awarding the winner a $500 Lego box.

Mrs Cross said the show would be a ‘visual feast’.

“There will be lots of colour, lots of music, lots of noise,” she said.

“This year’s show has more of a festival feel to it than it has in previous years.

“We’ve still got our agricultural competitions which are the backbone of the show, but the festival atmosphere is certainly at the forefront this year.”

Mrs Cross said preparations for the show were well underway, with new committee members bringing fresh ideas to the event.

“With new leadership, new members on the committee, new sponsors and this new layout, there is a feeling of excitement that is having a ripple effect,” she said.

“On social media we had our 3000th liker.

“Last year at the same time we had 2000 followers; in a period of 12 months, to be able to gain 1000 followers on social media is pretty significant.”

Mrs Cross said the expansion of this year’s show would ensure it continued to remain at the forefront of agricultural shows in regional Victoria.

“Our goal is to make it western Victoria’s best agricultural show,” she said.

“I think we’re well on the way to that already.

“We’re doing our best to give this community something to be proud of.”

The entire September 18, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!