Lilydale & Yarra Valley Show Highlights

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LILYDALE & YARRA VALLEY SHOW ATTRACTS ALL-TIME RECORD CROWD!

On November 16th & 17th, Lilydale & Yarra Valley Show #66 was held in near perfect Show weather. Apart from some light showers on Sunday morning, we had 20 degrees with a light breeze both days and the crowds poured in – 12,000 confirmed through wrist band sales and at least another 1000 estimated.

Highlights in no particular order were:

  • Record crowd numbers and gate takings – a great thrill for the Committee and volunteers who put in a such a huge effort and whose reward is a successful Show.

  • A record number of entries in just about all areas,

  •  The twilight Concert and Fireworks Display was held on the main arena which was filled to capacity with the crowd, for many of whom this is the highlight of the Show,

  •   The Melba Park Family Precinct with the entertainment stage going all day both days, featuring local budding singers and musicians, dancers, judo display, martial arts display, calisthenics, a swing dancing exhibition, and a talent quest on the Sunday PM that discovered ten local young artists of high quality. The Park also contained the animal nursery, sheep dog trials, pony rides, Black Snake productions, a blacksmith and displays from various local community groups.

  •  Large community involvement – the Show brings together just about all the community groups in the district giving them opportunities to raise funds for their own activities while assisting the Show,

  • A display of collectable cars which attracted a very large amount of interest,

  •  The large number of high-end rides and other entertainment provided by the Showman’s Guild and attracting a large number of participants especially teens,

  •  Essential Services displays from Police, CFA and SES including the “jaws of life” demonstration,

  •  The Dog High Jump which was conducted on the main arena and attracted a large crowd due in no small part to the interesting and informative commentary provided by John Tyrrell,

  •  A welcome return to Show scene of the recently reformed Yarra Valley Young Farmers who pitched in and assisted in a number of areas. Wonderful to see them back after many years absence in the Yarra Valley.

Many more highlights too numerous to mention but anyone who has doubts about the popularity of Agricultural shows needs to rethink – especially in the “near to the City” shows where city people want to see, touch and learn about agricultural life.