Entries open for inaugural online show

THE BENDIGO Agricultural Show Society has confirmed plans to hold its first ever virtual show, which will also include several onsite COVID safe competitions and judging.

Onsite competition categories, which have been deemed practically impossible to judge virtually as they need to be “seen, touched or tasted”, will include well-loved and highly competitive classifications such as fruit cakes, Anzac biscuits, jams, sauces, needlework, patchwork, knitting, crochet, craft and flowers.

Entrants in these sections will be given set delivery days and be judged “as normal”, with the traditional prize winner displays popular during the Show set to be announced and exhibited online.

“The Show Society is creating the virtual and onsite show in response to growing support to conduct some of our regular show competitions in a new way, to provide all members of the community the opportunity to enter and experience elements of an Agricultural Show without leaving their home,” said Ian Furze, Show Society executive officer.

“Regional communities are greatly affected by the cancellations of shows and other major events in 2020 and 2021, so we want to bring the community together to conduct a quality event which is safe, permitted and a lot of fun.”

The virtual element of the show, which will involve entrants uploading photographs of their creations during the online entry process window, includes the decorated and modified ute competition, allowing entries in this distinctly rural Aussie category to be made from around the state.

Entries will be open from tomorrow, Friday, 24 September, while judging of all sections, and announcements of the winners are expected to take place during the normal show week of 19-23 October.

To keep up to date with specific entry requirements, drop off dates and further announcements, please check the Show’s website at bendigoshow.org.au or follow its Facebook page via facebook.com/BendigoAgShow.