All about animals at the Ballarat Show!

THE Ballarat Times News Group 2022 Ballarat Show is returning and that means a host of animals will be part of the three-day event.

More than 500 animals are expected to feature in the agricultural and family show, which will run from Friday, 11 November until Sunday, 13 November at the Ballarat Showgrounds.

Events coordinator, Jackie Kalogerakis, said attendees can especially look forward to their animal nursery.

“This year we have Fun Farm 2 U coming which is our mobile animal farm. It’ll be in the family pavilion and free for everyone,” she said.

“They offer children and adults a hands-on experience with farm animals from poultry, piglets, goats, lamb, calves.

“It’s very much bringing it to those kids that don’t get to experience animals in their lives, and it always brings a lot of joy especially to the younger ones.”

Edutainment group Wicked Wildlife will offer an interactive presentation with animals like crocodiles, snakes and turtles, which will also take place in the family pavilion.

Competitions for sheep, cattle, poultry and horses and goats are returning with categories for different ages and breeds.

The horse show will take place at the polocrosse grounds and a new category for best backyard chicken will feature as part of the poultry competition.

The Ballarat Show dog jump competition will return while the state finals on the Sunday morning will bring the winners of each 2022 Victorian Agricultural Show together to compete.

Ms Kalogerakis said animals are integral to the show.

“They are the backbone of the Ballarat Show. For over 150 years, the animals have been what makes the show,” she said.

“The majority of agricultural shows started on the basis of people being able to come together and have their animals judged, to promote them and show off their breeds.

“Even though the show is about the festivities, the animals really do bring the show together.”

Entries for the animal competitions close at the end of October and can be accessed via ballaratshow.org.au.