General News
15 November, 2024
Clunes Show returns tomorrow
Fresh off the heels of the most attended show in its 161-year history, the Clunes Show is ready to entertain this weekend.
Starting as an agricultural exhibition with a ploughing match in 1860, the show has since transformed into a showcase of everything the Clunes community has to offer.
Festivities will whip into action with Stewart Bryant’s Whip Cracking Show headlining the main stage across two shows, while medieval combat performances, wood sculptures, wildlife, Bute Ute competition and rides are sure to entertain visitors.
Many classic attractions will return from last year’s show, which set a record attendance with over 5000 people.
Clunes and District Agricultural Society president Jenny Redpath said she’s excited to build on the success of the 2023 event which returned after a three-year hiatus.
“I’m hoping it will be another good year, the weather is looking great for the weekend,” she said.
“Because we had the gap with two years of COVID and then we had the washout, everyone was really itching for a show and hopefully that continues.
“We all work so hard as volunteers who take out some time for [the event] so it’s really good to see it all come together again.”
For Ms Redpath, the show is in her blood, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather in helping organise the event for over 20 years.
Reflecting on all of the memories created at the local showgrounds, Ms Redpath said the community engagement surrounding the show is what makes that third Saturday in November so special.
“We have something here for everyone — some people are all about the home crafts but then you have all the animals, stalls and rides,” she said.
“There is a big community base of all the bits and pieces of Clunes and obviously for me it’s generational.
“You look at some of our members who have their kids involved and now their grandkids which is really nice.
“One of the things that is special to me is it brings a lot of people back to Clunes who have moved away.
“It’s sort of like a tradition where people will come back for the show — it’s always nice to see everyone again.”
The 161st Clunes Show will be held at the Clunes Showgrounds on 54 Victoria Street from 9 am to 8 pm this Saturday, November 16.
Entry is $20 for adults with free entry for kids under 16.
For more information, visit clunesshow.com.au