Sport
23 November, 2022
Noorat Show makes long-awaited return
IT was always going to take more than a little rain to dampen spirits as the Noorat Show made a triumphant return over the weekend.
IT was always going to take more than a little rain to dampen spirits as the Noorat Show made a triumphant return over the weekend.
Thousands braved the elements to enjoy the first show since 2019 after years of COVID-19-forced cancellations.
A diverse range of attractions were on display, from agricultural competitions and machinery to rides, sideshows and show bags.
The Nibble and Nosh Food Expo featuring TV chef Ed Halmagyi, best known for his regular appearances on ‘Better Homes and Gardens,’ drew strong crowds, as too did the always-popular dog high jump event.
Noorat Show secretary Vicki Marr said the successful return of the show was “fantastic”.
“The day was a testament to the standing the Noorat Show has in both the immediate and farther reaching communities,” she said.
“It was such a horrible day weather-wise but yet people seemed to come; lots of people.
“We were very happy, and very grateful.”
Ms Marr said the jitters of returning for the first time quickly evaporated as the crowds rolled through the gate.
“We didn’t know if people would still be worried about COVID and may want to avoid a large crowd event, or whether we would be totally inundated because people were so happy to see the show back,” she said.
“I think everyone was so happy to see the show back despite the weather.”
Ms Marr said the addition of online entries and ticket sales had proven a success.
“We tried online entries for the first time this year, which was a challenge for some and really good for others, but I felt it was well received,” she said.
“Online ticketing is something we’ve tried for a few years but it’s worked extremely well this year.
“We had quite a number of pre-sold tickets which helped with electronic ticketing at the gate, alleviating the challenge of having the amount of change needed for taking cash at gate admissions.
“Those steps made it all the easier this year.”
Ms Marr congratulated the committee and volunteers for the success of the day.
“After three years I think some of us were a bit rusty, but on the whole we all pulled together and did an amazing job,” she said.
“Full credit to the committee and the volunteers who pulled together to make it a successful show.”
"There was never a question of local support"
NOORAT Show president Monica Heffernan has hailed a successful return for the beloved event.
A heavy downpour of rain throughout the day could not prevent the community from rallying behind the popular agricultural show, with attendance remaining largely consistent with previous fair-weather shows.
“It was a great day despite the rain,” Ms Heffernan said.
“The crowd was there in almost full force, prepared with a coat or umbrella in hand, and had a great day.”
Ms Heffernan said she wasn’t surprised to see so many people turn out in force despite the unfavourable elements.
“The Noorat and Terang community are very community-oriented, so there was never a question of local support,” she said.
“There was also a fair few who had travelled from further afield, which did surprise me.
“There were people from just about everywhere.”
Since taking over the role of show president, Ms Heffernan was forced to cancel the last two Noorat Shows due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
She said to be there on show day this year, with the event finally going ahead after a long three years, was a “bitter-sweet” moment.
“I took over as president when the start of COVID happened,” she said.
“I was the first female president ever, and then immediately the first person to cancel the show due to a pandemic.
“It felt so good to finally run the event, get it off the ground and see all the sections thrive.
“It was just fantastic, a great feeling, and everyone was just excited and happy to be there.”
Ms Heffernan praised committee members and volunteers for their efforts on the day.
Despite being a few years out of practice and the heavy rainfall, no major incidents held up proceedings.
“Every section seemed to run fairly smooth,” Ms Heffernan said.
“Because we haven’t held the show in a few years there was an emphasis on making sure everything was remembered, but I’m a fanatical list-maker.
“I was checking off lists as the week went on and volunteers would joke about bringing the list out.
“We were very happy with how things went but we are always looking for volunteers because it is such a big job, so if anyone out there would like to join our committee or volunteer we will always welcome new members.”
While the skies may have been grey on the day, there was no doubt the future of the Noorat Show looks brighter than ever.
“We’ll be back again next year,” Ms Heffernan said.
“Bring on 2023, and let’s hope for a sunny day.”
