Agriculture Show locked in for 32nd year

THE Bellarine Agricultural Show will run for a 32nd year with the show’s committee announcing the date for the event to take place in 2024.

Committee treasurer and Portarlington resident Bob De Vries confirmed the committee’s announcement earlier this month that the show will return to Portarlington Recreational Reserve on March 10 next year.

“The committee has had their monthly meetings going on already and planning is well-underway for next year’s event on March 10,” Mr De Vries said.

The theme of next year’s show is ‘wool’ with discussions presently taking place between the committee and the National Wool Museum to jump aboard as a major sponsor.

It was estimated more than 3,500 people passed through the gates at Portarlington Recreation Reserve on March 12 in the event’s first appearance since 2020 due to the pandemic.

State competitions in dog jump and horse riding events, as well several handcraft, cookery and photography stalls were part of this year’s show and are expected to return in 2024.

“We had a very successful result at our last show and we’re excited to host one again in seven months’ time,” Mr De Vries said.

“I truly believe this is a really strong community event and it still nods back to the Bellarine’s agricultural history.

“Especially for the young children in the community, they get to see a lot of things that they just don’t see today, which is why it excites me to see so many young people attend the event each year.”

Mr De Vries also thanked outgoing committee members for their efforts in previous years.

The Bellarine Agricultural Show is always on the lookout for new sponsors and volunteers.

If interested, email the show’s committee at [email protected]