Show set to shine into ninetieth year

THIS year the Ballarat Times 2023 Ballarat Show marks the ninetieth instalment of one of the district’s biggest agricultural and family fun events.

The show will be held from Friday 10 November until Sunday 12 November and is bound to have a range of activities and attractions for all ages.

“I’m really excited and so is our committee because the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society has been around for a very long time,” said event coordinator Jacqueline Kalogerakis.

“It’s really nice to be able to say that Ballarat has had the Showgrounds here for 90 years and they’ve survived that time.”

While annual sheep shows took place at Lake Wendouree from 1876 to 1932, this year marks the 90th anniversary of shows at Creswick Road showgrounds site.

The first sheep show at the location was held in August 1933 and officially opened by Lieutenant Governor Sir William Irvine.

This year will see a focus on more traditional and historical aspects of the Ballarat Show.

“We’re focusing this year on the heritage of the Ballarat Show with Clydesdale’s and we’re trying to recreate some events like a tug of war which is quite traditional,” said Ms Kalogerakis.

The Ballarat Showgrounds and annual spring show has seen many changes over the years.

“The show had definitely developed from a farmer’s perspective,” said Ms Kalogerakis.

“It began with a ploughman’s challenge and that literally ran from 9am in the morning until 2pm and that was the show.

“Now it is a lot more about the entertainment and introducing the country to the city.”

Former MasterChef contestant and owner of Tim’s Toasties, Tim Bone, is the ambassador of the show in its 90th year.

“Tim is a great representative of Ballarat, he’s worked really hard to get where he is now and he’s very excited about helping us promote the show,” said Ms Kalogerakis.

“He’ll be there with his toasties on the Friday night and then doing two cooking demonstrations on the Saturday and Sunday.

“We love bringing everything back to local people and local produce.”