December 15th, 2022Just ducking in to put on a show…Kingston stages number 153!
Junior exhibits at the Kingston Agricultural Show are only open for 6-15 year olds. So things were not looking good for five-year-old Lyra and her Elizabeth duck. That’s the breed, not the name.
But big sister Ivy jumped in to show it for her, and the ribbons and shy smile of pride tell the story.
Kingston Agricultural Society president Fraser Hutchinson said the 153rd show, held on December 10 and 11, attracted more than 600 visitors to the family day on Saturday, including 217 children.
The following day, the show was focused on Kingston’s renowned horse show which is a state qualifier with over 100 classes. There were a large number of horses entered, keeping judges and organisers very busy.
“There were many first time visitors to the family day who took the chance to escape the city to enjoy a day in the countryside. It was great to see so many local families and visitors to the district chatting and enjoying the hands-on activities and events,” Fraser said.
“The heritage-listed grandstand provides a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the surroundings and the grounds were in perfect condition.”
In the marquee on family day, the crowd enjoyed live music presented by the Creswick Kids Choir, the Creswick Brass Band and Creswick’s Swingalong Ukestra.
One of the highlights was the Rural Schools Challenge, a new event designed to give local kids an opportunity to participate in the show.
Teams of five children competed in a series of theory, problem solving and obstacle challenges. The winning team was from St Mary’s Primary School, Clarkes Hill.
Another highlight was the Haymarket Dog High Jump which had nine entrants and attracted a large crowd to cheer them on. The winner was Champ owned by Shane Nairn who jumped an impressive 1.72 metres without any fuss, pictured.
Shane ran working yard dog demonstrations throughout the day with mock trials showing how to tap into a working dog’s natural instinct and personality. This event was presented by the Ballarat and District Working Stock Dog Group.
The Kingston Rural Fire Brigade won the team event in the annual Tug of War.The men’s team winners were Shane Nairn and David Swain. The women’s team winners were Anna Thompson and Grace Calder. The mixed team winners were Anna Thompson and Fraser Hutchinson.
Poultry returned to the show this year with the Ballarat Poultry Society organising over 100 exhibits in the Selwyn Geddes Poultry Pavilion offering competitors a chance to connect with other breeders and to showcase their poultry. Champion Bird in Show was the Modern Game Partridge Hen exhibited by Paul Milne.
Words & images: Contributed.
