The Benalla Spring Show will return on Friday and Saturday, October 14 and 15 — with free entry to under-14s.
After a two-year hiatus, due to the pandemic, organisers are looking forward to putting on the best show yet.
The 138th (almost) annual show will feature:
- Horse events and show jumping;
- The Championship Dog show;
- An animal nursery and petting zoo;
- Side shows and rides (subject to confirmation);
- Displays in the Croxford Pavilion and Grandstand;
- Cattle and sheep;
- The ever popular poultry shed;
- A pet parade;
- Tiny Tots and costume classes.
- A dog high jump; and
- All the dagwood dogs and show-bags attendees can handle.
Benalla Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Chris Ogden said the committee was excited to return with a full schedule of family-friendly events, activities and attractions.
“We’re so pleased for our sponsors, as they’ve always come to our aid and helped us run our shows,” Ms Ogden said.
“This year we have the added bonus that the state government offered to sponsor all shows across Victoria to allow children aged under 14 free entry.”
Ms Ogden said the past two years had been disappointing for the committee, with the knock-on effect of cancelled shows meaning exhibitors, who rely on the income, being cancelled — sometimes with limited notice.
“But this year we’re back to normal,” she said.
“We’ve got a group coming to provide an animal nursery, like a petting zoo.
“We’ve got Snakes Alive coming back, the kids loved to see all the reptiles last time.
“We’ve got the dog show on Friday. We’ve got horses across the two days with top show-jumping competitors.
“There will be the Pony Club ring, Clydesdales and harness events
“In the Pony Club ring there is a prestigious award for the best competitor, it’s called the Andrew Dowell Memorial.
“And for the kids there will be a fun ring that the little ones can take part in.
“We’ll have all the dodgem cars and food vans (these are subject to confirmation).
“We also have the cattle and sheep classes.”
On top of all of these attractions the best poultry will be on show, as well as all of the displays of farm produce, cakes, wool, floral arrangements and much more.
“There will be a great exhibition of fleeces,” Ms Ogden said.
“We will have a dog high jump display and a pet parade where people can bring their own furry, or not so furry, friends.
“Categories for that include most unusual pet and the pet which looks most like its owner.”
The A&P Society will once again be assisted by local service clubs.
“We’ve got the Benalla Lions Club who will be on the gates,” Ms Ogden said.
“And Rotary will be helping us with the parking. We’re expecting a lot of competitors coming through with their big floats. So their assistance is essential.”
The event will, of course, take place at the Benalla Showgrounds and the adjoining Arundel St Oval.
Cost of entry for those aged 14 to 18 is $5 and adults are $15.
Membership tickets are available for two-day entry for one member, one guest and one youth for $40.
The A&P society has released a program for the show with more detail, and competition entry forms.
You can pick one of those up from The Benalla Ensign office, Millers, Newspower and the Visitor Information Centre (currently in the Commercial Hotel on Bridge St).
Alternatively you can get a program from the Show Office in the Showgrounds from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.