Show knows where its roots are

Pumpkin sisters, from left, Leilani, 10, Jianna, 7, and Lydia, 9, are colour co-ordinated. 166113_04

By Bonny Burrows

Sunny weather and a string of entertainment brought the crowds to the 2017 Parklea Pakenham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show.
Saturday’s show at PB Ronald Reserve featured an assortment of activities celebrating all Cardinia shire has to offer including animal competitions, a shearer, craft, cooking, floral arrangements, a chainsaw carver, petting zoo, art workshops and carnival rides.
Show president Geoff Young said the inclusion of African drummers, Bollywood dancers and the Chinese Lion parade highlighted the shire’s welcome to all cultures.
“Overall highlights were people working together, people coming together of multi-nationalities and having fun,” Mr Young said.
The dog high jump and paper plane competitions proved popular once again, Mr Young said, as did the gum boot throwing event and the mounted police.
The canine competition attracted plenty of laughs with a pug attempting to jump the logs, while the gum boot throwing event saw some boots fly into the crowds.
A sheep shearer demonstration particularly wowed the younger spectators who were blown away by shearer Andrew’s speed and the opening drummer performance saw two young girls dance in delight.
Despite the numerous attractions, Mr Young said it was the agricultural focus which set the event apart from other shows.
“It’s not a market, it’s people from the country showing off to the city people,” Mr Young said.
“And we really try to keep it that way, as an ag show and not a market. That’s what we are.”
Mr Young said he had big plans for the show’s future, but would always stick to the show’s roots.
“I hope in the next five years it’s the numbers one event in the Cardinia shire,” he said.
“I just hope everyone supports it to make it bigger and better, but keep it rural as much as possible.”
For more Pakenham Show pictures and results, turn to pages 19-22.