Spirit of showcasing not dampened by weather

DESPITE cold and wet conditions, Heathcote on Show was hailed as a success by local traders.

Numbers were down on last year but visitors still supported the event.

Heathcote Visitor Centre visitor services officer, Jose Manga said accommodation in the area was fully booked and he had great feedback from traders.

“Visitor Centre coordinator Janet Wicks and I visited the pop-up cellar doors in town and all reported good trading,” he said.

“Shuttle buses took visitors out to wineries in the area, and they were all well attended.

“We had enquiries about accommodation, but it was all sold out.

“It was really good to see so many people in town even in the cold weather.”

The Heathcote Ambulance Auxiliary Op Shop had a bumper weekend with a constant flow of customers.

“It was a great weekend,” said volunteer Carol Foster. “We hadn’t planned to open on Monday but after so many people asked us to, we did.

“Camping gear, tents, posts and pans, boots and coats were popular with many visitors coming to buy items they forgot to bring. We sold out of most of those items.

“It is great for our community.”

Glen and Megan from Hides-Knives-Leather returned to where their business started for Heathcote on Show.

“It all started in a three-by-three marquee here a few years ago,” said Megan.

“We had mostly cow hides laid out along the fence and added more and more things as the business grew.

“From the marquee we graduated to a small trailer and eventually to our big trailer.

“We travel all over the country to agricultural shows, rodeos, Meatstock, Farmworld, musters and some smaller events.

“It is a great life and we really enjoy meeting so many people.

“We are still based in Bendigo and come home regularly to visit our grandchildren.”

The couple first met in kindergarten, but each went their separate ways until meeting up at a school reunion in 2020.

“Our cow hides and leather goods are personally and ethically sourced and we also sell a range of quality knives, belts, purses, wallets, bags, dog collars and cosmetic jewellery,” said Glen.

“We also have an online shop but most of all we love meeting our customers.”

Owner of The Watering Hole, Joan Stammers, said she was pleased to see so many people supporting the event despite the challenging weather conditions.

“We had live music on both Saturday and Monday which was well attended and a steady flow of customers throughout the weekend.

“It was great for the area to have some much-needed rain, and it didn’t deter visitors from the event.

“In all it was a great weekend for the whole region.”