AN influx of schoolchildren eager to learn about the district’s agricultural links will help the Kerang and District Agricultural Society manage its first show without a public holiday.
More than 400 children will visit Alexandra Park today during the 133rd annual Kerang Show’s second day of events.
Today is the first time the Tuesday program will not fall on a public holiday, following Gannawarra Shire Council’s decision to recognise Melbourne Cup Day throughout the municipality, rather than separate holidays for the former Bourough and Shire of Kerang.
With this in mind, show organisers ensured a bumper program of family-focused events yesterday afternoon and last night would encourage people to visit the show.
Equine competitions and the dog show opened proceedings yesterday morning, with a variety of new and popular events occurring in the afternoon and evening.
Food traders relocated to a food court area, which also include the stage where a band performed and official proceedings occurred.
Judging of the Miss Kerang Show Girl sections – previously a Tuesday afternoon tradition – went ahead last night following the official open, conducted by Victorian Agricultural Societies chairman, Jenny Daffy.
Sideshow Alley and its rides proved to be popular, with other attractions – including camel rides, a bucking bull, polocross demonstration, face painting, laser tag, the animal nursery, pet competition, the pavilion sections and a whipcracking demonstration – drawing crowds.
Today’s program focuses on the show’s traditional attractions – including cattle, poultry and sheep judging – with entries already looking ideal.
However, it will be the schools program that will draw the greatest interest, with children to view demonstrations from the Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police and State Emergency Service to run demonstrations.
Parks Victoria representatives and Vicky the Truck – which promotes the stories of Victorians and how they contribute to society – will also be in attendance.
