The 161st Kyneton Show kicks off on Friday Carnival night tonight!
There’s live music, whip cracking, camel rides and laser tag in the hay bales.
Add to that the Meltdown or a ride on the bucking bull and sideshow alley before the Show’s famous fireworks, which start at 9pm.
Saturday is when things really get moving. The long agricultural tradition is on display – don’t miss the wool and sheep pavilion; champion alpacas fleeces are nearby; horses on the top oval with the dog show on the bottom oval; and the pet parade; Farmer Darryl’s Animal Nursery where you can get up close to all those animals, and the Farm Shed for the district’s future farmers.
Be the first to see who’s won and admire all the amazing art, craft and produce entries in the Watts Pavilion.
The Pavilion has been at the heart of the Kyneton Show since the first competition in 1858 and it’s never been bigger with more than 2000 entries and growing! You’ll see everything from the best country baking and champion rose to biggest vegetable; from knitting and needlework to best decorated pet rock; from jams and chutneys to clever craft, amazing art and stunning photography.
The LEGO hall is bigger than ever, with a 3×3 metre mosaic wall to be built and a wide range of entries (and prizes) in the LEGO competitions. Who would have forgotten the Rubic’s Cube solving LEGO at last years Show? What will the competition be like this year?
There’s lots of free activities too – from pony rides, the Farm Workshop where you can build a wooden toy or create your own masterpiece, to the Kids’ Activities Tent, where the younger among us can create, craft, build and paint. And don’t miss the farm-inspired Country Parkour.
And don’t forget the Treasure Hunt Show Bag, which may well be the best value show bag in the State! You start with a treasure hunt map and fill the bag as you explore the Show, following all the treasure hunt clues to collect goodies right around the Showgrounds!
You’ll discover every part of the show on your treasure hunt and have a bag full of surprises to take home. You’ll even collect a free lunch on the way – and last stop is an icy pole!
Buy our limited edition show bag just inside the front gate but be quick – these sell out fast!
LIFE ON THE LAND
On the serious side of things, have you bought a hobby farm or a weekender – or perhaps you’re dreaming of making your own Farm Change? This is a huge new part of the Show called Life On The Land, spanning the far side of the oval where you can find out more about living on the land, whether you’re new to the land and eager to learn or you’ve made farming your life.
Go along and find out more about farming from the experts with tips on how to look after the land.
Local farmer Donna Coutts will be on hand to answer all your questions about keeping beef, sheep and regenerative farming.
The staff at the Agriculture Victoria site can talk you through what a mandatory Property Identification Code (PIC) is and how to obtain one.
Victoria Police will be ready to talk about living safety and securely in the country and you will even be able to test out the Royal Flying Doctor Simulator!
Show secretary Josie Rutledge said she expected the Show to be bigger and better than ever.
“We had a really busy year in 2022 and this year we’ve expanded to meet the needs of our quickly changing district,” she said.
“We’ve put a real emphasis on free activities for kids – as well as a recharging ‘station’ for parents. But we haven’t left our agricultural roots behind. While Kyneton is changing rapidly there’s still a lot of interest in farming and other agricultural activities.”
While on the Show’s traditions, Ms Rutledge said the Watts Pavilion was also a centre of attention, with more than 2000 entries into a wide variety of competitions expected.
Gates for Friday Carnival night open at 5.30pm with fireworks at 9pm and close at 10pm; Saturday Show day gates open at 9am and close at 4pm.
“The Kyneton Show is one of the longest running and most successful country shows in Victoria,” Ms Rutledge said.
“If you live in the area or you want a day in the country, the Kyneton Show has got something for everyone.”
