Brilliant sunshine ensured a record crowd through the gates for the 130th Mansfield Show on Saturday, November 16. Comments on the day ranged from “best show yet”, “we had a great day out” and “the kids loved it!”. Highlights included the return of Lachie Cossor’s Outback Stockman Show, a display of horsemanship skills, working dogs and the appearance of his Braham bull. Horse entries were up this year with many positive comments about improvements to the arena prompting promises to return in 2020.

Entries in other sections were strong especially in the photography classes which was one of the biggest displays in the pavilion.

The return of the side saddle classes after several years brought a touch of elegance of a bygone era. The Shetland Derby saw plenty of ponies and young riders take to the course in racing colours and entertain the crowd. The Dog High Jump sees working dogs showing off their prowess in front of an enthusiastic audience.

The fleece competition lures top class local wool producers to enter and junior cattle handling section draws several students from Geelong Grammar’s Timbertop Campus.

The school writing competition attracted more than 260 students from the Mansfield district which was a massive task for stewards and judges. Floriculture, cookery, needlework, garden produce, craft, art, produce, pickles and preserves attracted diverse entries across all age groups. One of the highlights is watching the excitement of young children taking out prizes with their entries. One young lad enters in more than 30 classes!

As always the show committee is grateful for the support of local sponsors and volunteers who make the show possible for another year.

Secretary

Lynn Elder

Photo Credits: Michelle Spencer