Thousands flock to Bendigo Show

THE first Bendigo Agricultural Show in four years has been declared a huge success by organisers with the return of the event attracting tens of thousands of people to the Prince of Wales Showgrounds on the last Friday and Saturday of October. 

Highlights included monster truck Outback Thunda, and the Kids’ Zone, which was a brand-new feature this year. 

Bendigo Agricultural Show Society executive officer Ian Furze said there was a strong turnout by families over the two-day event. 

“The show was successful, it was our biggest, best ever show,” he said. 

“We had over 20,000 people over two days, it was a very positive response to the children’s free entry, and we had great weather and everything. 

“The Lego mosaic, of a Bendigo show image was hugely popular and looked absolutely fantastic.” 

The Kids’ Zone included an animal nursery, which they’ve had in previous years, a maze, plaster painting, games, hula hoops, and other activities and Mr Furze said the activities went down a treat.  

“We thought it was received pretty well and we’ll certainly consider it again for next year,” he said. 

Amount the attendees where local MP and Premier Jacinta Allen and with her family, said Mr Furze. 

He also said the food and agriculture aspect to the show was also important. 

“Essentially, the main reason that we put the event on is to keep the connection between the city and the country, which we’ve done a number of times before,” said Mr Furze. 

“We think there’s a sort of country element in what we do with the cooking and the craft, we like to keep moving forward with it and keep up with the times, which is why things like Lego and that have been introduced in recent years. 

“Keep the children understanding where their food comes from, all those sorts of things.”