‘One of our best’: Shepparton Agricultural Show delights on return

“We were rapt with it – because we were under the threat of rain and some people weren’t sure about coming.”

After two years of having to cancel the event due to COVID-19, this year’s crowd total exceeded those of the 2019 and 2017 shows.

Moving to a mostly online ticket sale system this year, the initial 10,000 tickets sold out early on Friday night, with more released to meet the demand.

The heavy downpour forecast for Friday held off, with only a light drizzle in the morning before the sun came out, and stayed out, for the rest of the weekend.

Thanks to a COVID-19 recovery grant, organisers were able to offer free entry for children aged 14 and under.

“The kids had an absolute ball – they loved the animal nursery, loved walking around and looking at the games,” Ms Trevaskis said.

“People were happy, there were smiles and you’d see people catching up who hadn’t seen each other for a long time.”

The show had a bit of everything, from the myriad of rides and games to arts and crafts, motorbikes, livestock being showed and judged, camel rides, ferret races and of course, the Country Women’s Association’s scones with jam and cream.

“(The stallholders) all love coming to Shepparton,” Ms Trevaskis said.

“They really enjoy the vibe and having a few days of downtime in between the Royal Melbourne Show and the Shepparton Show to recoup a little bit.

“They spend a lot of money in the community as well because we’re a big rural town, we’ve got everything they need.”

Now the attention turns to 2023.

“While it’s still fresh in our minds, we make lots of notes and just start planning for next year,” Ms Trevaskis said.

“I’m very happy everything went well and it was great to get my first show (as president) done and dusted and have such a good result.

“We couldn’t have done a show without all of our volunteers – they’re the unsung heroes.”