Show lights up Korumburra

LOCALS and visitors embraced Korumburra’s Show Day despite the sometimes gusty conditions that threatened to blow away market stalls.

Overall, conditions were favourable with the sun breaking through.

“The local community was happy to be out and about and there were families with kids and dogs and people everywhere,” Agricultural and Pastoral Society president Rhonda Brooks said.

Being chief steward, she spent much of the day in the Exhibit Pavilion and was delighted with the quality and quantity of entries, noting there were quite a few new exhibitors this year.

Fruit, vegetables, floral art, cookery, photography and an array of crafts made for a colourful and varied display.

Jack Glasgow again judged fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables and eggs.

Celebrating his 91st birthday today, Jack has been heavily involved with the Korumburra Show since his teenage years, never missing a year as either a competitor or judge.

He began growing and exhibiting produce shortly after completing a couple of years as a boarder at Melbourne’s Scotch College.

Following his retirement from entering competition at age 80, Jack was invited to become a judge and has relished that opportunity ever since.

“It’s very interesting and I’ve enjoyed doing this every year,” Jack said.

He relishes judging just as much as showing his own vegetables.

Jack explained consistency is an important consideration when judging each set of exhibits, such as a trio of carrots.

“They’ve got to be much the same,” he said.

Eggs must measure up to a high standard, with Jack saying, “They’ve got to be near perfect.”

Although there was an impressive selection of produce on display, Jack said uncharacteristically cool summer weather meant some crops such as tomatoes didn’t ripen in time for this year’s show.

With so many families in attendance, free children’s activities proved a hit.

Youngsters queued for balloon animals and other creations, and for face painting, and emitted shrieks of delight during magic shows.

A magnificent collection of historic vehicles turned up for what could have been a ‘show & shine’ event in its own right.

Market stalls sold a mixture of items from honey and seasonings, through to vibrant baskets from Ghana.

Young people were drawn to the Super Jump, which enabled them to bounce high into the air while safely harnessed, and to a twirling ride.

Many settled in for an afternoon of musical entertainment, with performers taking to the stage to compete.

None of the day’s entertainment and activities would have been possible without an enthusiastic group of volunteers, including stewards, judges and organisers.

Rhonda thanked them all, highlighting the contribution of the Korumburra Agricultural and Pastoral Society secretary Brooke Howard.

“It’s a huge task to get things organised,” Rhonda said of Brooke’s contribution.

A large crowd turned out for Saturday night’s fireworks display, a spectacular end to Korumburra Show Day.

However, with a special format this year, the show continues this Saturday February 19 from 9am to 5pm, with cattle, sheep and poultry featuring.

The following day from 9am to 5pm, the focus turns to horse events.