Monday, February 17, 2025

A blue ribbon day at the show

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Hooray for the 160th Maldon and Baringhup Show on Sunday 20 October! It was a winner of a day under blue skies at the Maldon Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, where folks gathered to appreciate the achievements of growers, breeders, makers, doers and animals of our region.

There was something for everyone to enjoy. The Maldon Brass Band and the Martini Set provided musical accompaniment by the canteen, where a troop of helpers prepared sandwiches and scones for hungry punters. Perky ponies and hightailing horses contrasted with sheep in sheds, who looked bored until they were singled out for the shearing demonstration. A voice on loudspeaker echoed through the gumtrees.

Secretary of the Maldon and Baringhup Agricultural Society (MBAS) Leeanne said she was thrilled with the turnout on the day. “The drawcard for this show is that once you walk in the gate, everything is free for kids so you don’t have to keep putting your hand in your pocket to pay for things,” she said. “It’s a great day for families.”

Collections, crafts and cookery in cabinets lined up alongside floral and fruit displays, showcasing skills of locals young and old. MBAS committee member and crafter Debbie McDonald said that the Show was returning to its pre-COVID scale and received very positive feedback. “I’ve had so many people come and say it’s one of the most terrific displays they’ve seen,” Debbie said.

Proud winner of a blue ribbon for his banana cake, Albert from Newstead proved that making the decision to have a go and enter the Show can be very rewarding. It was his second entry, having baked a Bloke’s Chocolate Cake eight years ago. “Somebody mentioned the Show to me and I thought I would try again,” he said, revealing that he was inspired by Stephanie Alexander and added his own twist to create the winning recipe. “I do like to cook, just because I enjoy it, but I don’t normally bake. I have Italian background so it’s in my blood!”

There were activities for kids at every turn, with magic and puppet shows; reptiles and bouncing castles; haunted house and icecream cones. Logan and Ashton tried their luck with the fairground clowns game and the shouts of ‘mum!’ squawked from the rock-climbing tower all day.

The fun and inclusive events drew big crowds. There were prizes for dogs who were waggy, obedient or who looked like their owners (which is a kind way of saying that the owners look like their dogs). The Gumboot Toss was risky for observers in front and behind and on either side, who noted that the technique seemed to be perfected by those who knew when to let go. The Tarrangower Times dodged a boot or two and had a wonderful day at the Maldon and Baringhup Show; blue ribbons to the organisers and see you next year.

Tarrangower Times 25 October 2024

See all the photos in the issue.
This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 25 October 2024.

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