Community
1 November, 2024
Sunshine and fun greets showgoers
SUNNY skies, warm weather and the excitement of a fun day out lured thousands of visitors to the Warrnambool showgrounds last Saturday.
The 169th annual Warrnambool Show once again proved a hit among young and old, with everything from poultry, sheep and cattle exhibits through to rides, showbags and sideshows.
An estimated 7,000 visitors enjoyed the day’s attractions, with many young families from across the district and beyond attending.
For the first time on the show program, some of the youngest visitors enjoyed an ‘enchanted experience’ in the former horticultural building and, due to its overwhelming success, it is hoped this will return again next year.
Carnival rides and showbags were well patronised, with some of the new big rides – including The Starship – proving popular.
The animal nursery, Dinkum Dinosaurs, Hoop Sparx and live entertainment were well appreciated by showgoers, while a surprise visit from local newlyweds (for a photoshoot at the show) brought smiles to the faces of many.
The main arena attracted some of the district’s top riders in a variety of classes while the pavilions were jam-packed with handicrafts, cookery and flower entries.
Eight breeds of sheep were represented on show day, with the competition highly contested.
Judges Simon Thomas (Cavendish) and Leslie Brewer (Strathalbyn, South Australia) awarded the following:
Aussie White champion ram, ewe and group – Deb Morrison ‘Banksia’ Inverleigh.
Cheviot champion ram and ewe – Roger Wilkinson ‘Spion Kop’ Wangoom.
Corriedale champion ram, ewe and group – Hildred and Leahy ‘Boonong Park’ Mortlake.
English Leicester champion ram, ewe and group – Barry Shalders ‘Willow Drive’ Grassmere.
Hampshire Down champion ram, ewe and group – Hildred and Leahy ‘Boonong Park’ Mortlake; group – Hawke ‘South Port’ Devon Meadows.
Romney champion ram, ewe, group and Brewer Memorial – Jim Bligh ‘Killmery’ Grassmere.
Southdown champion ram and ewe – McDonald and Brooks ‘Grassbank’ Grassmere.
South Suffolk champion ram, ewe and group – Barry Shalders ‘Willow Drive’ Grassmere.
The shearing pavilion also proved a popular attraction, with many showgoers stopping to watch the competition throughout the day.
Results from what proved to be a highly competitive competition (attracting more than 95 entries) were as follows:
Open Shear – 1st Ben Maguire, 2nd Glen Stephens, 3rd Phil Edwards, 4th Daniel Biggs, 5th Rick Chilcott, 6th Roger Mifsud.
Open wool – Fi Patison, Carol Hohepa, Jo Maki and Mark Purcell.
Senior shear – Raysene Meihana, James Napier, Leroy Pitt, Marnie Hauraki, Daniel Michelmore and Joseph Knoll.
Senior wool – Miria Hohepa, Kora Joeseph, Holly Byrne and Aleisha Rintoule.
Intermediate shear – Raysene Meihana, Tumeeke Wilson,
Adam Lehman, Luke Magee, Marnie Hauraki and Lydia Thomson.
Novice shear – Layla Maguire, Luke Robertson, Tia Hauraki and Will Neave.
A spectacular pyrotechnic show lit up the night sky after dark, marking the end of a fun-filled day out for many.
