Spectacular show all about fun

FOR what will possibly be the last time at its current location, the Ballarat Times 2023 Ballarat Show had fun for the whole family last weekend.

The weather delivered and provided ideal conditions for crowds who gathered to see animals, live entertainment and a host of other activities.

The fireworks went off without a hitch on Friday night, part of the three days of fun with a spectacular bang.

Ballarat resident Karen Harris, a disability support worker, attended this year’s event with one of her clients.

“I was actually working supporting a girl and she wanted to come to the show,” she said. “She went on the dodgem cars, bought showbags and looked at farm animals.

“I think the highlight was probably all the different animals because I love little cute, tiny animals.”

The show was also popular among families, with Walter Jordon bringing his two children along for the day.

“You have to come when you’ve got kids,” he said. “It’s compulsory.”

The jumping castle, haunted house and Ferris wheel were favourites among his children.

Event coordinator Jacqueline Kalogerakis said it was incredible to see the team’s hard work come to life.

“It was very exciting as our 90^th birthday and probably our last show at these showgrounds so there was a lot of nostalgia,” she said.

“There were really great crowds coming through the gates and it’s amazing as there’s been too many years when everyone missed out a bit.

“All the kids were joining in with the games and it was a really excited crowd.”

As for the future of the show, Ms Kalogerakis said wherever it is located there will still be a focus on local agriculture.

“The future of the Ballarat Show is something we hope to continue through the agricultural side,” she said.

“I feel like we are very lucky in Ballarat to still have that heavy agricultural influence with all the dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats and sheep.

“We are very much focusing on continuing to push the agricultural animals and competitions that are always running.”