In 2022, the 138th Benalla Spring Show was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to imminent flooding.
There were hundreds and hundreds of entries for that show, for events ranging from showjumping to Benalla’s best chocolate cake.
To make up for the disappointment this year — and to tide Benalla over until October’s Spring Show — the Benalla A & P Society is holding an Autumn Mini-Show and Exhibition on March 25 and 26 especially for the gardeners, crafters and bakers.
This special weekend will incorporate the exhibition in the Croxford Pavilion and grandstand; as well a Saturday poultry auction, information session and a Carboot Sale on the Sunday morning.
Community and craft groups are encouraged to apply for a stall site to assist promotion of their organisation.
To book your space for the Carboot Sale, phone A & P secretary Wendy Beer on 0401 815 050.
This mini-show offers an opportunity for a whole range of new classes so there is plenty to choose from.
Do you have Benalla’s biggest tomato? Or the heaviest pumpkin? Now is your chance to enter fruit or vegetables in season.
Ms Beer said the cookery section would welcome entries in various sections including favourite cake or decorated Easter egg, as well as a selection of our regular challenges.
“Flowers will be in abundance with dahlias, hibiscus, fuchsias and hanging baskets making their debut alongside the roses and other cut flowers,” Ms Beer said.
“There are new classes in the textiles such as macramé, felting and weaving.
“Crafts has had a facelift with soap-making, candle-making and mosaics added.
“Get the kids creating masterpieces such as a snow globes and decorated terracotta pots.
“Photography has been expanded with plenty of opportunity to show Benalla your photos of droughts and flooding rains and a range of other subjects.
Full competition details are available in the competition schedule.
Entries close on Friday, March 17. Garden entries close on Wednesday, March 22.
Competition schedules are available to download from www.benallashow.com or from Benalla Westend Post Office, Benalla Newsagent, Millers Department Store and the Benalla Show office, which is open Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm.