March 2nd, 2022New show for Daylesford

DAYLESFORD and District Agricultural Society president Don Harvey, pictured, says the last two years of Covid cancellations have hit “terribly hard”.
This year’s show is set for Saturday, November 26 with all pavilion entries being judged on Friday, November 25, but Don says that is a long time away “and we have now had our hopes dashed twice already”.

“We were hoping to stage our 150th annual show this year but unfortunately we have put the 148th annual show off twice and the 150th annual show is no closer than it was in 2019.
“It seems like an excellent time for people to come in with new ideas, particularly as the long break has sapped the enthusiasm of some of the old hands. I certainly would like to see some younger people come onto the show committee, even school students might re-invigorate or help to steer the new show.”
Don said agricultural shows fitted into a framework of Victorian and Australian Royal Shows and a tradition that went back hundreds of years but within that framework there was plenty of scope for local show societies to develop shows that reflect the character of their area.
“Perhaps here we should be looking at a bigger place for our artisan farmers or competitions that involve our Daylesford cafe culture.
“This year we will also trial a much more informal meeting format to encourage newcomers in a meeting for new volunteers and helpers. Anybody who will wear our shirt and take on a task will be welcome, no show experience is required, just be happy, cheerful and helpful.”
For anyone interested in training to be a show helper this year and to go on to bigger things in the future, the first meeting for this year’s show committee will be on Wednesday, March 16 at 7.30pm at the Senior Citizens Rooms behind the Daylesford Town Hall. Enquiries to Don Harvey, Donna O’Mara or new society secretary Rosemary McLean at info@daylesfordshow.com or 5348 5783.