Community spirit on show

Last year's winner Olivia Dabraio (left 19) won the Iron Women Competition. A very close second was the excellent Atong Lual. This shows the barrow full of water segment of the race. 178793_10

In the wake of the devastating Bunyip fires, this Saturday’s Parklea Pakenham Show is a chance for the community to come together and enjoy a free day of family fun.

President Geoff Young said at its heart the Pakenham Show was a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural industry, both past and present.

“Everyone involved with organising the show feels deeply sorry for the farmers affected by the fires,“ Mr Young said.

“We will do everything we can to assist them. In the meantime, I encourage families from the fire affected areas to join with the broader Cardinia community for what is going to be a great day.“

This year the show continues the tradition of bringing a slice of the country to the suburbs, with the theme Diverse Farming. Animal attractions include sheep, chickens, ducks, goats, reptiles and ferets.

A separate horse show will be held in August.

The Pakenham Hall will host more than 1500 entries in various competitions ranging from the best apple pie to the richest fruit cake and the best decorated boot or shoe.

Wendy Andrews is in charge of the army of volunteers who pull the pavilion displays together.

“We have a number of exciting new competitions this year,“ said Ms Andrews.

“One of the most fun will be the decorated boot or shoe competition. For a small donation the public will be able to vote for their favourite entry.“

Ms Andrews said money raised would be donated to mobile shower chairty Clean as Casper and Orange Sky Laundry.

Another new attraction is the apron competition. Entrants use a pattern supplied by the show and let their imagination run wild creating a fun, colourful apron.

Those handy with a needle and thread will also star in the A Day at the Show competition, whereby entrants have to create an outfit they would wear to an agricultural show. The winner will receive a sewing machine.

New to the food section this year is an apple pie competition. Hardings Orchard has donated the $100 first prize for the best family or individual pie using home made pastry and locally sourced fruit.

Local honey will also be in the spotlight at this year’s show. Ms Andrews said local apiarists were keen to use the show as a platform for their clean, green produce.

Ms Andrews said entries for the rich fruit cake competition were strong, with one entry coming from as far away as Bundaberg in Queensland.

This year the photography will be judged on Friday and the winners announced on Saturday. Ms Andrews expects more than 400 photography entries.

The pavilion will also host group displays on the theme Diverse Farming from schools, kindergartens, Cubs, Scouts and Girl Guides.

“Entrants have come up with some great ideas around Diverse Farming, which helps keep that agricultural theme alive,“ Ms Andrews said.

Mr Young paid tribute to the volunteers and sponsors who work tirelessly to pull the show together.

“To put on a free show it can’t be done without the hard work of the committee and volunteers putting in long hours,“ Mr Young said.

He also thanked the sponsors and acknowledged the many young people who contribute ideas and time to the show.

“To have so many young people on the committee to share their ideas and passion – this is the future of the Pakenham Show. “

One of the show’s most ardent supporters is the Cardinia Young Citizen of the Year Meaghan Venables.

Ms Venables has helped drive new technologies and ideas.

“The show has made me grow on a whole different level again,“ Ms Venables said.

“They’ve supported every crazy idea I’ve had.“