By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
CROWDS poured through the gates of Akoonah Park over the weekend to enjoy the 2016 Berwick Show.
This year’s event had something for everyone from rides and face painting to an exciting array of food, the traditional agricultural and horticultural competitions, displays, performances and even a fun run.
In fact, according to show president Andy Fyfe, it is the show’s broad appeal that attracts such impressive crowds year after year.
“In the end, if you have a nice day weather-wise, all the attractions are here,” he said.
“We’ve got live stuff in the arena, we’ve got rides if you want to go on rides.
“I think, first and foremost, agriculture is what it’s all about.
“It’s an agricultural and horticultural show and everything is based around that so while we can still entice animals to come here, that will keep it going.”
Mr Fyfe, along with the rest of the show committee, joined local politicians, councillors and select exhibitors at the show lunch on Saturday 27 February.
He said the success of the show was the culmination of months of planning and preparation.
“It’s nice to see it finished because a lot of people worked very hard to get this result.”
As always, the action centred around the main arena where Saturday’s attractions included FMCX motorbikes, whip cracking, mountain boarding, a gumboot throw, the truck pull, a display of medieval jousting and a fire show.
A spectacular fireworks display capped off the show’s first day and kept crowds at the event well into the night.
The arena schedule was similarly packed on Sunday when mountain boarders, motorcyclists and whip crackers showed off their skills.
Also on the agenda were dog jumping and the 2016 Berwick Show Fun Run – a 10 or 5km run held in support of the YMCA’s Open Doors program.
There was judging all of Saturday and Sunday in the livestock sheds while members of the Waverley Spinners and Weavers Group demonstrated spinning, weaving and felting.
Visitors came from across Melbourne to make the most of the warm weather and exciting program, including Warrandyte’s Lucy Turner.
“It’s a great size and it’s got a bit of everything,” she said.
“I’ll definitely be back.”
