Why not have a go?

KYLIE Sonter has been entering the art and craft competitions at agricultural shows for almost forty years, beginning in Mildura where she grew up.

She was inspired by her grandmother at 15 years of age.

“No one else in my immediate family was interested,” said Ms Sonter.

“But my grandmother entered every year and won lots of prizes.

“I mostly entered the cookery and cake decorating sections and went on to become a professional chef.

“Entering in the shows became a step away from my regular kitchen work and enabled me to stretch myself creatively.”

Ms Sonter won first Prize for her savoury scones in the 2015 Melbourne Show, among many other prizes at Melbourne, Mildura and Bendigo Shows.

“In Melbourne, I was competing against a lot of more experienced entrants, so it was a real thrill,” she said.

“Over the years I have also entered the gardening sections and one year my hens’ eggs won Best in Show.

“Both my daughters, now in their 20s and living overseas, enjoyed entering when they were young, too.

“Preparing for Show Day was always big in our house.”

Ms Sonter moved to Heathcote two years ago and will be entering the craft section at Heathcote Show for the first time.

“I would recommend participating in the show to everyone, especially young people,” she said.

“It is a great way to put back into a great community event.”

Entries in the Arts and Crafts sections at Heathcote Show will be free this year.

Show secretary Robyn Donovan said the committee had decided to make entries free this year to encourage more participation.

“Entries numbers fell after COVID and we want to encourage everyone to have a go,” she said.

“There is a huge variety of sections and if anyone’s particular art or craft doesn’t fit the main criteria there is a section just for entries that don’t fit with the regular categories.”

Art and Craft, and Wool competition schedules are now available with the horse program coming soon.

See the Heathcote Show Facebook page or heathcoteshow.wordpress.com for further information.