By Emma Xerri
The Berwick Show celebrated its 175th run over the weekend, with two jam-packed days of family fun and the finest of local agriculture.
Taking over Akoonah Park, the show saw over 20,000 people in attendance, covering the grounds to immerse themselves in the entertainment on offer and enjoy Melbourne’s uncharacteristically nice weather.
“It was fantastic. We could not have asked for better weather, grounds and people. It all came together and we are so fortunate,” show secretary Margaret Boon said.
The weekend had a plethora of things lined up, from stage shows for the more musically inclined (or musically inclined at heart) attendees, to adrenaline-inducing stunt bike shows, and trade stalls.
This year’s show also saw the return of the crowd favourite woodchop competitions, with an impressive 30 choppers grateful to once again be showing off their axe-wielding skills to a packed crowd.
“Having the woodchop back was terrific,” woodchop organiser Andy Fyfe said.
“Everyone was really welcoming and the choppers were all very happy to be there, because they’ve been starved of woodchops for the last year.
“And it’s great for an agricultural show to have a woodchop as part of the scene. It brings that country flavour.
“There were lots of new young choppers coming through the ranks, too. We had an 18-year-old winning one of the big chops yesterday, so that’s good to see.”
Outside of the woodchop, attendees feasted not only on food, but on all the other attractions.
Show regulars like the animal nursery, carnival rides and showbags continued to be roaring hits.
The aptly named Kidding Around Area also provided some release for the kids (and their guardians), away from the high-pitched squeals of the rides, with free children’s books, face painting, biscuit decorating and pony rides.
And for those on the lookout for a palate cleanser after working their way through the food court, attendees were treated to a devonshire tea running all weekend.
2024 firsts the Produce Paddock and farriers competition also added a delightful newness to the festivities.
“One of the biggest highlights was the farrier competition, which was a state championship,” Mr Fyfe added.
“There’s a big cohort of them locally, with the Pakenham and Cranbourne race tracks nearby, so there were around 100 farriers at the show, with some even joining from New Zealand.
“That was a big crowd pleaser!”
“But every small section played its part.
“There were sheep on Saturday, and dogs in the same shed on Sunday. We had arts and crafts, which saw well over 400 entries. The photography was full too.
“And of course, the arena attractions were a big hit.
“The audience loved the stunt motorbikes, and one of the really popular events was the dog high jump, which always has crowds gathering around to watch. That was won by a kelpie yesterday who jumped 2.4 metres, which definitely isn’t a bad spring into the air.
“It’s the little things like that that make a show.”
