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Shepparton steals the show

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The 148th Shepparton Show was a big success. Photo by Geoff Adams

Shepparton showed out in huge numbers for the annual Shepparton Show.

On Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12, the showgrounds came alive with rides, stalls and games, with plenty of kids and families ready to soak up the fun.

The agricultural show has been a fixture in Shepparton since 1877, and this year featured a massive display, including miniature horses and pony judging, the youth cattle show, as well as mini and dairy goats on show.

Angel Spencer, 17, and Shianne Wakefield, 17, were ready to help you win a prize. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

One thing that was missing from the agricultural section was the poultry display.

Usually, it’s bustling with people and chooks, but due to the outbreak of bird flu in Australia and across the world, the Shepparton Agricultural Society made the decision to cancel the section.

Samson Sibanda from Euroa dressed as Shelly the Kinross Chicken with Shepparton Show volunteer Michelle Beamish promoting the poultry shed. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Normally, you’d find Michelle Beamish held up inside the shed, but with the cancellation, she decided she’d take the chance to see the show and have a little fun.

“For once I actually get the chance to walk around,” she said.

While the usual display was absent, the building wasn’t empty, with lots of people flocking to the poultry shed to catch a glimpse of one feathered friend.

“We’re displaying birds that aren’t here because of the avian flu,” Ms Beamish said.

“We do have a live duck there called Crumpet, and because of the avian flu, we had to think outside the square so that people would still come and see the poultry.

“So I’m dressing up as a bird and walking around so people will actually come and see (the poultry shed).”

Crumpet the Indian Runner Duck was a big favourite at the show. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Many community groups and businesses also attended the show, setting up their own stalls.

Sirius College was one of them, with students selling a range of crafts and goods.

Year 5 student Maryam Sheriff and Year 6 student Sara Zaydi from Sirius College sold their crafts. Photo by Georgia Tacey

Year 5 student Maryam Sheriff and Year 6 student Sara Zaydi were two of the students who were there to sell their creations, which they had been working on all year.

Inside the McIntosh Pavilion, there were impressive horticulture displays, artwork from Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre, a miniature train display, highland dancing and the Tiny Tots competition and judging.

The Country Woman’s Association was on site serving refreshments and scones, while the Shepparton Heritage Society’s stall, selling show bags and with plenty of kids’ activities, was a big hit, with acting president Kristy Rudd saying it was a busy day for her on Friday.

“Today’s been really positive,” she said.

“We’ve had lots of kids through even this morning, and also a lot of the Connect groups with disability services have been coming through.”

The show was packed all day Friday and Saturday. Photo by Geoff Adams
Giovanni, Sara, Athena, 6, and Dorian Schepis, 9, came all the way from Switzerland to visit family and see the show. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Michelle Beamish with colouring competition winner Harrison Ward, 9. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Brothers Quinn McCormick, 4, Kyle Gibson and Fox McCormick, 5 had a great day out together. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Sienna Ross, 17, with Rose the Jersey and Cherry the Holstein. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Sideshow operator Mackenzie Hayman inside the maze of mirrors. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Friends Harlem Toutia, 9, and Kruze Ahlam, 6, won plenty of prizes. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
The Ferris wheel was lit up at night. Photo by Geoff Adams
Unicorn Kingdom sideshow owners Lindsey Tickner and Dave Simon were there to give lucky winners a prize. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Ben Grapentin, William Holloway, 11, and Sam Leitch are ready to scream on the Midnight Madness ride. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Kate Nolan and Xavier Nolan, 3, enjoying a fun ride on the teacups. Photo by Rechelle Zammit
Ashlee Kellett from Just All Round Crochet holding some of her favourite crochet items. Photo by Rechelle Zammit