The Ballarat Spring Show drew a bumper crowd across the long weekend with the warm weather on Sunday, typically the quietest day, ending festivities on a high.
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Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society executive officer Lucy Quartermain said she was really happy with the crowd and atmosphere across the three days.
“We’ve been extremely lucky the weather has been on our side, other than a little bit of rain on Friday it has been fantastic,” she said.
“Friday is always popular being family day and Saturday, once the kids’ sports have finished, that is extremely busy depending on what is on the arena.”
The monster trucks were a huge hit, especially on Saturday night leading into a spectacular fireworks display.
“Each year we look for something that goes on the main arena to attract crowds and monster trucks was it this year,” Ms Quartermain said.
“And the fireworks were extremely popular, I was shocked by the amount of people on the bank.
“I know for the little kids the clowns are always fabulous... and people have spoken about Speed (ride) being quite popular this year.”
Roller coasters were the main attraction for thrill seekers, while those who could not summon the courage did not miss out with plenty to do such as bumper cars and camel rides.
Ms Quartermain said a renewed focus on agricultural had also paid off this year.
“We understand we have a fair way to go with it, but by all accounts, from what I’m hearing, we’ve done exceptionally well,” she said.
“Our sheering shed initiative, the Drought Angels initiative, they’ve been well received. And we had eight teams from the Young Farmers Challenge and we’re already looking to incorporate that into more of a night entertainment show.”
Ms Quartermain said the show prided itself on having something for everyone.
“We’ve just had lots of people from all different backgrounds coming in and it has been great to showcase agriculture to them.”
While Andrea Tudorovic said she had not been to the show since she was a child, she brought along her excited seven-year-old Lucy and six-year-old Archie for their first show experience on Sunday and was impressed with what was on offer.
“The kids have really enjoyed it this year – they were excited all weekend to be coming,” Ms Tudorovic said.
“They have never really been old enough to go on rides, so they’ve been really interested in that, the animals and the showbags are always a good treat.”
She said now the children would probably be begging to come back next year.
Meanwhile, Sadie Wood, 12, who was there with her family, said she had been coming to the show every year since she was a baby.
“I like going on the rides and all the showbags,” she said. “The bumper cars are probably my favourite... but I don’t think I’ll be going on the Speed ride.”
The Ballarat Spring Show was held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Ballarat Showgrounds in Wendouree.