SHEEPDOGS and their trainers will travel from around Victoria for the chance to impress the crowds at Dean's popular annual sheepdog trials this weekend.
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With a full field of mostly collie dogs - 43 to be exact - rounding up 150 sheep throughout the day, it is hoped to be another successful event after last year's record numbers.
With help from Hepburn Shire Council, the Dean Recreation Reserve facilities were recently upgraded with the installation of new lighting to complement its recently added verandah making it more inviting and user-friendly.
Dean Recreation Reserve Committee president Brian Maher said the event had continued to grow since it started in 2013.
"It brings a different side of tourism to Hepburn Shire - the farming side. It is gratifying to see the recreation reserve getting used and improved for the future," he said.
There will be a number of contenders to keep an eye on including Ross Creek's John Tuddenham, Warrnambool's Barry Paton, St Arnaud's David Hines and Father Peter Kerin.
The Ballarat Engine and Machinery Preservation Society will showcase displays and a number of engines on the day.
Entry is by donation. A raffle will be drawn, with $400 worth of prizes, with the proceeds to be donated to the Dean Newlyn CFA brigade.
Along the way the committee has donated funds to numerous organisations including the Ballarat Soup Bus and Solider on.
The Old Sniff Classic will take place on October 13 at Dean Recreation Reserve from 7am.
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