Long-time exhibitors prepare for show’s return

AS the Heathcote Show nears its long-awaited return on Melbourne Cup Day, regular exhibitors are busy preparing their entries.

With the last show held in 2019, facilitator of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program at Heathcote Primary School, Michele Witham, said the students are looking forward to the event.

“All grades are involved,” she said. “The older ones will be baking and the younger children enjoy decorating biscuits.

“It’s a wonderful experience for them. They love going along to see if they’ve won a prize and having a look at everything on offer.

“And, every year, they come back to class talking about the chooks. They all love them.”

Greg Speirs has been entering produce for thirty-five years.

“I used to be known as the rhubarb king,” he said. “I’m really hoping to do well again this year.”

Therese Ryan said her floral entries will be very different from the 2019 show. “It’s an early growing season this year, and the show is on at its latest date.

“Flowers I took last time have already finished, so it will be interesting to see what I can put together for this year. I might even get some knitting done.

“It will be good to see all the regulars again and, hopefully, some new faces.”

Holy Rosary Primary School principal Paul Dullard said students were looking forward to having the show up and running again.

“They are all busy preparing displays and art works,” he said. “We are all hoping for good weather to showcase Heathcote at its best again.”

For Marj Harris, exhibiting at the show is a family tradition.

“My parents always participated and took us to the show. Now I’ve been entering craft for more than 50 years,” she said.

“My children joined in when they were old enough and now my grandson, Tom, is involved.

“He recently won first prize in the Victorian Agricultural Society Junior Photography State Final for his photo of our dog. He will also be exhibiting at this year’s show.”

Ms Harris said knitting in the evening helps her to relax, and winning a prize is a bonus.

The show will be held at the Heathcote Showgrounds on Melbourne Cup Day from 9am.

The pre-show office will be open for entries on Friday 27 October between 1pm and 4pm for school entries and for other entries from Wednesday 1 November to Friday 3 November from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturday 4 November from 9.30am to 12pm.