"You can't change the weather." That was the philosophical attitude of Lucy Quartermain of the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society on the closing day of a Ballarat Show that was hit by showers and distinctly un-spring like conditions.
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In spite of the unfavourable skies, people still filed through the turnstiles for a rich variety of demonstrations, activities and stalls.
Sunday in particular saw drier weather, allowing people to enjoy some of the outdoor elements of the show including the dog jumping and working dog rescue demonstrations.
Across the three-day event, there were sheep shearing demonstrations, competitions for rare breeds, the chance to handle giant stick insects and see venomous snakes being handled. You could ride on camels, and choose between dozens of fairground rides, among many other things.
Enjoying the drier conditions on the final day was Llewelyn Clark from Stawell, who was at the show to take part in the sheaf tossing competition. The Courier watched as his pitchforked hoist of a hay bale made it over the 9-metre bar.
"It's not just about strength, it's also about technique," said adjudicator Leo Murphy.
Over on the other side of the grounds, Sophie Brokenshire - a pupil at Damascus College - was enjoying a day of work experience at a popular stand run by Hamilton-based Wicked Wildlife.
"I love animals," she said, holding a native shingleback lizard. "It's been a lot of fun."
One event that some people noticed was not on site this year was the show jumping. "That was out of our hands," said Ms Quartermain, who said that event had to move location a few years ago due to lack of space.
She said that event would join back together with the rest of the show when they move to a new site in Mount Rowan. Planning discussions are currently under way, although it will not change location until at least 2022.
As for this year, Ms Quartermain said that final attendances were yet to be confirmed but she expected the numbers to be down on last year when the event welcomed close to 20,000 visitors.
"You can't go from being hot and sweltering one year to being cold and wet the next without being affected," she said.
"It's unfortunate the weather was like it was. We're just pleased that people have still come out to support it."
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