Town ready to go on show

AFTER three years of cancellations, the Heathcote Show is set to return on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 7 November.

Rides, sideshows, arts and crafts, animal events, free activities and food stalls will transform the showgrounds once again.

“It has been a long wait but preparations are all going well,” said show secretary Robyn Donovan.

“We are hoping for record attendance. Big crowds and lots of happy faces.

“This year we have free entry for under 16s and plenty of free activities for children of all ages and their parents.

“All the traditional sideshows will be there, as well as rides, all accredited with the Showman’s Guild.

“Entries in each section have been coming in since we opened the show office on Wednesday and the judging for the arts and crafts sections will start at noon on Monday.

“One thing attendees need to be aware of is that some roads around the showgrounds will be closed and there will be traffic management in attendance.”

Taylah Pengelly has been riding ponies and horses since she was four years old and competing for five years.

She is a member of the Rochester Pony Club and will be competing for them in the pony club section at this year’s show, riding Boots aka Malibu Park Top Trend.

“We have been to a show every weekend in October and sometimes two different shows per weekend,” said Taylah’s mother Melinda Pengelly.

“Her recent success was at Geelong Royal Show, winning Champion Best Presented in the Pony Club section, riding Boots.

“Taylah is also a keen cook with her nanna, Laraine Leask, and will be entering the cooking section at the show.”