By Lauren Henry

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is in full swing this week after a successful day one of the annual major event.

While it’s usually all roads leading to the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong during the field days, maintenance works at the Dooen rail crossing led to detours for those travelling on the Wimmera and Henty highways from the north.

But hundreds of people found their way to Victoria’s longest-running field days, boasting nearly 400 exhibitors, including 80 new-comers. 

The fields days showcases hundreds of millions of dollars in agricultural machinery and equipment, but also features plenty of other products such as cars and caravans.

It also features information-based stalls from various organisations across the region.

Yesterday in the Country Lifestyle Pavilion, there were demonstrations on cooking, agricultural education and energy, as well as fashion parades by Horsham College students.

There was also a tractorcade showing historical tractors – in line with this year’s theme of ‘big tractors’.

Field days committee president Harry Young said yesterday’s sunny weather had made it a great day out.

“We’ve got plenty of people walking around and a lot of exhibitors are busy,” he said.

Mr Young encouraged people to visit the field days today and tomorrow,

“The tractors are fantastic. You can go and talk to the bloke at Big Bud and he might even start it up if you’re lucky enough,” he said.  Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said day one of the field days had started well. 

“The weather this morning was perfect, the crowds are flowing in. The site looks really full. The exhibitors have all done a really great job making this site look great,” she said.

Mrs Lenehan said today, Wednesday, was marketed as family day and would feature local market stalls.

“It’s a pretty exciting day because we have the local market day held on the back lawn, thanks to the support of 3WM 1089,” she said.

“There will be 16 extra exhibitors coming along just for that day.

“And for the kids, we also have Paw Patrol up on stage, so don’t forget about that. They’re only doing two shows, so make sure you get out and see one of them.

“Market day is for everyone. I don’t think there’s even anything ag-based at all in the market square. It’s all food, wine, produce and craft, so come on out and have a look.”

The field days is open to the public from 8.30am to 5pm today, Wednesday, and 8.30am to 4pm tomorrow.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate or from wimmerafielddays.com.au.

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