A woodchop challenge, shearing and whip cracking demonstrations, sheep, cattle, poultry, alpacas, dog agility and show dogs, even a miniature donkey. That’s just part of the lineup as the Kyneton Show returns this weekend with more free activities and events than ever to mark the 160th grand annual show.
“It is one of the oldest shows in Victoria that’s still running and the 160th is a great time to be celebrating the importance of country shows,” Kyneton Agricultural Society president Andrew Ferrington said.
It will be a show for the region after the Castlemaine, Bendigo and Lancefield shows were cancelled because of the recent floods.
The Kyneton Show began in 1858, running until the military occupied the showgrounds during World War II then continuing every year until COVID shut down community gatherings. The ag society ran a free fireworks display last year when the pandemic postponed the 160th show a second time.
“Last year’s fireworks kept the show alive for everybody. It gave people hope that life would get back to normal and the show would be back, bigger and better than ever,” secretary Josephine Rutledge said.
Old favourite, the woodchop, returns to the show after a long absence with demonstrations during the day on Saturday.
Three generations of Kyneton axemen, Patrick, Chris and Regan O’Toole, and Castlemaine father and son team, Glenn and Dale Hansford, will demonstrate the four classes of competition, from the traditional underhand and standard block to the teamwork of cross cut saws and the American innovation, the hot saw, where hotted up chainsaws roar through the logs in a spray of fine woodchip.
Mr Ferrington said the show maintained strong links to agriculture, recognising the strength of farming in the district and welcoming newer landowners. This year there’ll be tips from experts on farming, fencing, bee keeping, looking after the land and yourself, with free health and lifestyle checks for all in the new Life on the Land section.
More than 2000 entries are expected in the pavilion competition – everything from champion rose and best sponge to upcycled clothing, decorated pet rock, even home brew. There’s an expanded competition for LEGO lovers of all ages with a huge new dedicated section on display under the grandstand.
It’s also a family tradition for Ms Rutledge who is the third generation of her family to work on the show committee. Her grandfather, Bartholomew served on the committee while her father, Michael O’Sullivan senior, and brother Michael, have both served as president of the agricultural society.
This is Ms Rutledge’s 10th show as secretary.
“I have such beautiful memories of attending the show with my family and friends and I want other children growing up to have that
beautiful experience as well,” she said.
While the rides, sideshows and showbags are the biggest thing to come to town, the show is a safe alcohol-free zone for local kids to hang out with their friends – a simple pleasure many have missed out on in the last few years with the cancellation of most community events in the last two years.
The ag society has kept admission at pre-pandemic prices and kids 14 and under enter free.
“One of the big things we focus on is providing great value for money and when you are inside the gate, there’s lots of free things to do,” Mr Ferrington said.
But the show’s not just for kids or those with kids.
“It’s a show for the whole community, for young and old and everyone in between, for families, all abilities there’s something for absolutely everyone,” Mr Ferrington said.
“We look forward to a great day for everyone to enjoy.”
WHAT’S ON AT THE SHOW
Just some of the free events and activities you’ll find at this weekend’s Kyneton Show.
Carnival, 5.30 – 10pm Friday Nov. 18 (no alcohol, no pass outs)
Night time fun with all the fireworks, ute muster, laser tag, rides, sideshows, showbags, live music, camel rides and more.
Show Day, Saturday Nov. 19 from 9am – 4pm
The carnival and camel rides continue plus all the animals and hours of free fun:
· See 2,500+ entries in the pavilion competition – Watts Pavilion, LEGO under grandstand
· See stud sheep, alpacas, fleeces, cattle, even a miniature donkey plus the popular poultry pavilion and the dog show on the main oval in front of the grandstand
· Woodchop and sheep shearing demonstrations through the day
· 10.30am Children’s pet parade – free entry
· Kids can climb all over our Country Parkour obstacle course till they’re worn out
· Art and craft activities, face painting and more in the marquee – all free
· Try Paddy’s crazy bikes or a quieter mount with free pony rides and the Lion’s train
· 5.30-10pm: Pose with a replica Mad Max Interceptor or jump on the Toecutter’s motorbike
· NEW Life on the Land section with expert tips on fencing, farm security, bee keeping and more plus the latest tractors and historic farm machinery
Admission:
14 and under – free ticket
15-17 years $5
Adults $15
Concession $10
Family pass $30 (2 adults, 4 children)
2 day family pass $50
TIPS FOR SENSITIVE PETS
Kyneton vet and fireworks sponsor, Dr Greg McIntyre, has these tips for animals sensitive to loud noises, like those distressed by thunderstorms.
* Keep animals indoors.
* Play classical music to calm dogs or put the TV or radio on to mask the sound.
* Make your home escape-proof by closing windows and dog doors.
* Create a safe hiding spot e.g. a blanket over a table or their cage for smaller pets.
* Try a thunder coat to calm the animal or recordings to desensitise the animal over time.
See your vet for more information on medication, pheromones or other techniques.
