This year’s Whittlesea Show has a nickname – “The Big One”.
In its 154th year, the show celebrates Whittlesea’s rural roots
with farm animals, agricultural displays and events combined with modern
entertainment. It is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors
in November.
Show spokesman John Kreitling says city children love the animal nursery.
“It is always exciting for city dwellers to be able to see animals
first hand and learn more about our food supply chain, by bringing the
country to the city.”
The show’s horse supervisor, Lyn Lee, says the horse events
continue to be popular with competitors from around the state and
interstate.
The Robinson’s Family Circus, which provides various
entertainment, will be appearing for the last time this year, and will
be supported by acts such as Roy Maloy, a record-breaking stilt walker.
The show will also feature a performance of The Dusty Springfield Story, starring Wendy Stapleton as Dusty, singing some of the British pop singer’s classic hits.
The show’s 2013 theme, farming through history, includes an
expanded vintage engine display, including tractors and other farm
machinery restored after the 2009 bushfire.
“There is enough entertainment to keep you occupied for hours,
with roving entertainers, show jumping events, education displays, farm
and garden produce, home crafts, art and photography,” Mr Kreitling
says.
“There are lots of animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, poultry,
rabbits and alpacas. People will enjoy live country and western singers,
highland dancing, school performances, wood chop events and much more.
The home crafts pavilion is undergoing a facelift and many volunteers
transform this pavilion into a magical array of crafts and cookery.”