Echuca-Moama show a great success

The first full show since 2019 delivered a spectacular fireworks’ display on Saturday night with hundreds on hand to see the skies light up.

Echuca-Moama & Districts Agricultural Show Society president Allan Mathers said the 2023 certainly delivered in spades.

“It went better than we expected,” Mr Mathers told The Riv.

“Across the two days we’ve had 1800 paying adults and of course admission is free for the children, so the numbers were just terrific.

“The fireworks always draw our biggest crowd at one time, it has been great to have the same person behind the fireworks display for the past 10 years or so.”

Children of all ages soaked up the full show experience earlier in the day.

Sideshow alley was a popular location with many as they bid to win prizes from hooking the ducks, throwing balls into the bucket and of course the famous clown game.

The clown game is one of the oldest entertainment games around, with each clown head consisting of five balls that the player must put in the moving clown’s mouth.

Once they got through sideshow alley, children and parents were greeted by the showbag trailers.

Organisers reported the old favourites, such as Bertie Beetle and The Greatest Showbag, were as popular with the younger generation as much as their parents before them.

Monster Trucks, Sour Lollies, Harry Potter and Pokemon were other show bags carried around by youngsters.

The Laughing Clown from the Fun House reverberated far and wide.

Just metres away the bungee trampoline had a number of customers, both young and old, while the busiest spot on scene was “The Megamonster Family of Fun”.

A giant slide, you could probably get a view of Rochester from the top, it stood so high.

That didn’t stop many from powering up the stairs in about 30 seconds and sliding down in 10.

“I’ve had enough of climbing up those stairs,” one young boy said to his parents after about 10 minutes.

He then made his way to get a snowcone, an ideal thirst-quencher.

The agricultural, horticultural and cooking elements of the show also added to the occasion.

Youngsters took the chance to go on pony rides thanks to the team from Billabong Ranch, while the animal nursery allowed the chance for you to hold a kitten, pat a puppy, or get up close and personal with sheep, ducks, goats and a lone turtle.

Echuca CFA brought a fire truck to display, while an artist drawing caricatures and golf putting competitions also kept many entertained.

The competitive element of the show came to the fore in the pavilion.

The flower exhibition featured sections for red roses, pink roses, roses of any other colour and the Floribunda rose.

The region’s greatest green thumbs also displayed their wares with potted plants, floral art, foliage plants, succulents, cactus, single stem and bunch herbs to name a few.

The greenery also ensured the pavilion was one of the coolest locations around with the air-conditioner working at full capacity.

The cake competition featured delectable carrot cakes and sponge cakes.

Peter Green was delighted with his prize-winning efforts while an array of pickles and preserves were also on display.

Some terrific photos were on display from the photographic competition and the community participation in the show was highlighted on the walls.

Students from all the primary schools in Echuca-Moama coloured in pictures that adorned the pavilion, while the youngsters at the Campaspe Community Children’s Centre created two exhibitions — This Is Me and Day At The Zoo.

There was also the chance for youngsters to display their creative side at the show, with rock and plaster decorating and cookie decorating.

Some of the other stars of the show were of the equine (horses) and bovine (cows) varieties, including the beloved Shetland ponies.

The ute display wowed the crowd on Saturday, while yesterday featured the Show and Shine where the best vintage car and best hot rod were awarded.

Yesterday also saw the baby, tiny tots, showgirl and showman competitions, as well as the Rural Ambassador Award.

The success of the show was testament to the committee of seven and the other volunteers who played their part in organising the two-day event.

“I’d like to thank all the committee and everyone who has helped put on this year’s show,” Mr Mathers said.

“Their magnificent efforts contributed to what was a terrific event.”