Almost 5000 people flocked to Ballarat’s Rural Lifestyle Expo at the weekend, providing a strong impetus for the event to continue to expand.
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Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society director Gerard Ballinger said he was extremely happy with the result.
“The number of demonstrations at the event has grown again,” he said.
“We have incentive to grow the event in the future and we are confident it will.
“We certainly have the space to grow as well.”
Mr Ballinger said an exit survey had been distributed to all exhibitors and so far the results had indicated that they had been busy.
The event was bigger and better than last year, according to Mr Ballinger, who said it had gone exactly to plan.
“We are extremely happy, the weather has been perfect for us,” he said.
“We couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
The event attracted many families, with children lining up for their chance to get up close to some of their favourite farm animals.
The food and wine pavilion was another drawcard, showcasing a wide variety of local produce.
Mr Ballinger said a large team of volunteers and society members had set up the event during the week and helped out on the day.
There were 220 exhibitors to show off their wares compared with last year’s 195.
Mr Ballinger said the goal was to get to 300 exhibitors over the next two years.
“I think the committee has to decide if we can grow to a two-day event,” he said.
“I would like to think we can and start competing with some of those big field day events.”
An array of demonstrations and speakers performed throughout the day.