ORGANISERS have declared the Ballarat Show a success, despite cold, wet and windy weather over the three-day event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Opening last Friday with wintry conditions, little improved over the weekend in terms of weather. However, Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society director Gerard Ballinger said despite the less than ideal conditions, the show still managed to draw a steady crowd over Saturday and yesterday.
Mr Ballinger believed more than 15,000 people passed through the gates.
“It’s not the greatest show weekend we’ve had, but it’s certainly not the worst,” he said.
“The rain really knocked us about on Friday but, in general terms, we’ve had a really strong crowd today (Sunday) and, all in all, lots of people through the gates.
“We are actually really pleased with the weekend and managing to put together another great show.”
Punters who braved the cold found all the traditional show wares and activities, including animals, rides, fireworks, and of course, show bags.
Mr Ballinger said a number of new events also contributed to a successful show.
“The show jumping was a welcome return and very popular,” he said.
“We also had the first ever beyondblue human tractor pull, which seemed very popular.”
Hundreds of people rugged up to brave the chill on Saturday night for the impressive fireworks display, while judges worked hard on Saturday and yesterday to decide on the best cattle, dog jumpers and the like.
The popular wood chop competition, which organisers are hoping to build even bigger, was also a hit, with record entries and plenty of spectators.
Mr Ballinger praised a “very well behaved crowd” and thanked the efforts of police and volunteers who worked to make the show happen.