Kids go free for Ballarat Show

CHILDREN under the age of fifteen will now be able to attend the upcoming Ballarat Times News Group 2022 Ballarat Show free of charge.

With funding from the State Government, younger attendees can enter the agricultural and family event for free across all three days from Friday, 11 November until Sunday, 13 November.

Event organiser Jackie Kalogerakis said it’s an exciting development for the show and for the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society.

“This gives the Ballarat community that extra support in being able to attend the great events we have,” she said.

“We look forward to having families flock towards the show this year and hopefully it means it’ll be a bigger and better event than we’ve ever had. Especially after the last two years, this gives the public even more to look forward to.

“The other Victorian Agricultural Shows have been able to receive this grant as well so it’s great Ballarat is a part of this.”

The free entry is part of the State Government’s $300,000 funding initiative for Agricultural and Pastoral Societies throughout Victoria.

Traditionally, the cost of entry for children aged between six and fifteen was $7 individually or as part of the $30 family ticket.

Ms Kalogerakis said the free admission will allow children to enjoy the new family pavilion of free activities and other kid-centric events.

“Once they enter the gates, they’ll be able to get their face painted, to see entertainers such as Wicked Wildlife with their snakes and reptiles,” she said.

“They’ll be able to be apart of the Kelly Sports program with their sports activity centre. They can experience kids cooking displays with Bubble Muffin and their hands-on classes.

“There’s also live entertainment from Bethany Fisher where they can get onstage and have a little sing along.

“To be able to come and experience things like the Rooftop Express attraction and the animals all for free is just amazing. They’ll just have so much at their fingertips.”

With entry free, children’s prices will only apply for rides and showbags.

Children will also be able to take part in the Ballarat Show’s many competitions including arts, crafts and cookery, which are open now.

Tickets will be available online from mid-October.