By DANIELLE GALVIN
IT WAS the end of an era on Thursday night as the Pakenham Show Society met for the final time at the Pakenham Racecourse for the annual general meeting.
Geoff Young was voted in as president of the show society for another year and said the committee had been behind him the whole way.
“When taking on the position as president there was talk of whether the show will continue into the next era with the Pakenham Racecourse relocating to Tynong.
“Now I am able to report confidently we have the full support of the Shire of Cardinia with a new partnership for the 2014 show year and with new premises – namely the PB Ronald Reserve in the centre of Pakenham itself,” he said.
“Horses are to be relocated to other grounds but still part of the Pakenham Show.
“Sadly we will not have cows at the 2014 show.”
Mr Young commented on the introduction of the Victorian Giant Pumpkin and Vegetable competition this year as a highlight of the show.
“With over $1500 worth of prizes up for grabs it was an overwhelming success and I thank Phillip McCauley and Paul Latham for their co-ordination of this event,” he said.
“They have already planned 2014 to be bigger and better.
“All sections reported positive feedback on show day with dogs and sheep having record entries.
“Pavilion, horses, cattle and poultry had a good standard and exhibits.”
The organisers of the Wally Wombat trail were also acknowledged for their part in the show and their hard work to get businesses and community groups on board.
Mr Young congratulated junior show ambassador Catherine Ritchie, who was named junior show ambassador at the state level recently.
He said Catherine had also offered to join the committee for the show next year.
Racing Club CEO Michael Hodge attended the AGM and a plaque was presented to the club for their support, particularly the grounds staff who always helped out on show day.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank, on behalf of the Pakenham Agricultural and Horticultural Show Committee, the support we have been given over the last 50 years with the Pakenham Racing Club,” Mr Young said.
“We are both moving into a new era and look forward to it with a very positive outcome.”
