Sunny skies and warm temperatures boosted crowd numbers to almost 3000 when the 144th annual Millicent Show began on Friday.
The fine conditions were welcomed by organisers, with Millicent Show Society president Neville Copping pleased with the turnout.
“After nine years, we finally had some good weather to begin the show,” Mr Copping said.
The following two days were cloudy but this did not detract from the number one occasion on the Millicent social calendar.
After COVID factors forced the cancellation of the 2020 event, the Millicent Show Society was determined to present as many attractions as possible in a safe environment.
The Showmen’s Guild of South Australia did its part by bringing such popular rides like Sizzler, Extreme Thriller, Kamikaze, Skydiver and Hard Rock back to Millicent.
There was no shortage of thrill seekers despite the rides costing as much as $15.
The MJ Dance Studio performed for the first time while the stadium motocross action has not lost its popularity.
Exhibitor Megan Whitehead claimed the $500 prize for the champion rose from McCourt’s Garden Centre for her stunning yellow bloom.
Spectacular fireworks lit up the Gordon Memorial Oval and showgrounds for 15 minutes on Friday night.
Jim Garner’s long running demo derby attracted a capacity field of 25.
Amazing 82-year-old stunt pilot Chris Sperou performed 10 minutes of aerial acrobatics at dusk on Friday and on Saturday afternoon.
After an absence of many years, Vera’s Kitchen in the show hall was used for the first time since its $90,000 make-over.
The Federal Government’s contribution of $75,000 was secured by Barker MP Tony Pasin.
As he is in quarantine, the honour of opening the refurbishment went to MacKillop MP Nick McBride, who also took part in the grand parade.
The Show Persons contests drew the crowds while the animal nursery, first-time reptile room, school work displays, showbags, ride-on lawn mower races and face-painting were also popular.
The important primary industries of the Millicent district were represented in the yard dogs, sheep, wool and poultry sections but shearing and cattle were cancelled along with some indoor sections.
The trade exhibitors included Greens candidate for Barker Rosa Hallum, local service clubs and private outfits provided food and beverages while there were outdoors displays of unique vehicles and stationary engines.
Horses-in-action was the only competition to be staged over all three days.
COVID rules were strictly enforced while police have not reported any incidents relating to crowd behaviour.
A Millicent Show Society spokesperson said committee members were pleased with the overall success of the 2021 event.
“We were able to put on a COVID-safe show,” they said.
