By Callan Date
HOMEbrewed beer, the pick of local produce, prize pets and racy rides – it was all part of the fun at the Bunyip Show.
Although numbers through the gate were down on previous years, the annual show on Saturday remained a memorable day out, with the many different events and attractions on offer pleasing the crowd.
Smaller attendances at the Bunyip Recreation Reserve were blamed on poor weather and other local major events scheduled for the same weekend.
The 107th show had to compete with the Yakkerboo Festival in nearby Pakenham as well as competition from the Farm World agricultural exhibition, which was held at Lardner Park in Drouin, but organisers remained happy with the day.
Showgoers were treated to a number of farm animals on display including horse, sheep and goat exhibitions as well as people displaying their domestic pets.
Show secretary Kath Halvy was impressed with the response to the show, saying highlights included the art and craft show and the junior show personality competition.
“The day itself went so well, there was no hassle and everything just went to plan,” Mrs Halvy said.
Mrs Halvy has been involved in the Bunyip Show for 35 years and expressed a desire for more people to volunteer their time and help out the present committee.
“The committee could always do with a lot more help from anyone who is willing to offer some time,” she said.
There were many competitions throughout the day with the Junior Show Personality proving popular among the younger children. Judges based their scores on presentation, social skills and the elusive Xfactor and Amy Wheeler from Nar Nar Goon North won the threeyearold award.
Jagger Donaldson of Longwarry won the four to sixyearold category and Megan Veenstra from Bunyip was awarded the seven to nineyearold prize.
Ben Prichett and Michelle Egan, both of Langwarrin, won the 10 to 12yearold and 13 to 15yearold category respectively.
The homebrewing competition received several entries in each of the categories.
The award for best ale was awarded to Clive Piper and Mitchell Keck’s was voted best cider, while Lance Wiseman took out the award for best lager.
Mrs Halvy thanked the sponsors that helped out with prize donations and said any help was appreciated.
“The Bunyip Show survives on sponsorship and is always looking for more help and new ideas,” Mrs Halvy said.
Anyone wanting to help with next year’s show can contact 5629 5267.