The Shepparton Agricultural Show is back after two years this weekend, with family-friendly fun, entertainment and competition.
The show society committee and volunteers have been working hard behind the scenes to bring the community together after COVID-19 with the 146th annual show.
President Sue Trevaskis said the agricultural show included the full variety of animals — cattle, goats and poultry, as well as mini horses and a large dog competition.
The arts and crafts pavilion will be full of cooking, crafts and photography, and there will be rides for big and little kids, from wild thrills to teacups, and the usual sideshows.
Free entertainment includes camel rides, Eljay Freestyle Motorcyle Stunt Show, the Anti-Gravity duo and roving giant, furry snails called Gastropodia.
Ms Trevaskis said she expected a big crowd at this year’s show.
“I think a lot of people are tired of being stuck at home and events being cancelled,” she said.
“Families can spend the whole day here for very little extra cost, there's so many free things you can do and there is something for everybody.
“A really exciting thing this year is free entry for children under 14 years — they still need to order a ticket online, but it doesn't cost anything.”
People will be able to watch the judging of the cows, goats and poultry, with a lot of new exhibitors in the cattle section.
Junior farmers learning the ropes on how to show cattle will put their skills to the test in the youth handling show on Friday night, and local farming families will be joined by exhibitors from far and wide.
“It will be lovely this year because people haven’t seen each other for so long; it’s not just the competing side of it — it’s catching up with people they haven’t seen for so many years,” Ms Trevaskis said.
The horse program, which had been scheduled for Saturday at Tatura Park, has been postponed due to wet ground conditions.
The show opens on Friday and Saturday at 10am and runs until about 10pm; however, the pavilions close at 6pm.
The show program, information and tickets are available at www.sheppshow.com.au — pre-purchasing tickets online is preferred.