Switch on the television, or radio, and the news headlines are bound to be dominated by worldwide death and destruction, and hatred among neighbouring countries, – or, closer to home, by political opponents. We live in troublesome times.
Thankfully, it’s not all bad news – particularly in our part of Victoria, where October is widely known as Show Month. Coming into summer, weather is inclined to be kind to both indoor and outdoor activities, and to bring communities together to appreciate the wonders of the world around us.
Show time within our main readership area began last Saturday and Sunday, with the St. Arnaud Show at the majestic Lord Nelson Park, where patrons were treated to a wide variety of attractions, including shearing and wool handling competitions
Today will usher in two days and one night of non-stop activities and the Donald P. & A. Society’s annual Show, featuring “over 50 free things to see and do”. All the fun of the fair will be there to share, with particular emphasis on equestrian events to be enjoyed by both competitors and spectators.
A week later, on Saturday, October 21, Charlton will be the focus for showgoers, with a host of activities and exhibits at Charlton Park. Earlier than Charlton’s A. & P. Show, however, there will be heaps more events, beginning tonight (Friday), with the Charlton Arts “Art and Photography Exhibition”. (Details of exciting events this weekend in Charlton are elsewhere in today’s “Times”.)
In recent years, for reasons well known and understood, both Birchip and Wycheproof have found it necessary to discontinue their annual agricultural shows. That is not to say that either had abandoned the opportunity to showcase their districts, as others do every October. Far from it!
Birchip, for instance, has two big events scheduled for this month, the first, on Friday, the 20th, being its Flower Show, hosted by the Friends of East Wimmera Health service, Birchip Campus, with the opportunity for the entire community to become involved. On the following day, Saturday, the town will be “alive with utes and B. & S. goers from all over Australia”, as they prepare to be entertained at the Mallee Root Round Up.
And, of course, prior to all the aforementioned events, and on the eve of October 1, over 3,000 people flocked to Wycheproof to line the road to the top of the world’s smallest mountain, and witness the first battle for the titles of King and Queen of the Mount this millenium. Soon after this testing event, the crowd repaired to Wycheproof’s Centenary Park for an afternoon of fun and feasting, open to the entire district, as well as visitors from far and near. In so many ways, ours is still the lucky country.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 13 October 2023.
