Abumper crowd filed through the Mount Gambier Spring Show on the weekend – breaking the event’s attendance record.
The record-breaking gate came as the show sprung back to life, following a COVID restricted event in 2021.
On Friday 3700 people passed through the gates, while Saturday welcomed more then 11,000, combining to create the biggest crowd in the event’s 161-year history.
Last year’s show was scaled back and divided into three sessions due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, while the 2020 show was cancelled and the 2019 event was a wet weather affair.
Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society president Brian Kerr said the event exceeded expectations.
“What we are hearing from the Showman’s Guild from the shows they have been attending, and we are no different, is that people are pleased to be back to a normal format, enjoy themselves and have a great family day,” he said.
“The weather held out, the public really supported us coming through the gate and we have had nothing but positive feedback since.”“We assume some people who went Friday came back Saturday but it was still a huge number of people on our second day,” Mr Kerr said.
“We are over the moon with the fantastic result due to good weather and support from the local community.”
In another record, there were more rides at this year’s show than there have been in the past 40 years.
Mr Kerr said due to the floods in parts of Victoria and New South Wales more rides came to Mount Gambier because they knew they could get a dry site.
“Whereas we usually have up to five large rides, there was twice as many this year,” he said.
“The cattle handler’s competition on the Thursday set the scene for the weekend with more than 350 students from local schools attending.
“There were horse events including show jumping and dressage, a large amount of dairy cattle – moreso than previous years, poultry events, show dogs and guard dog trials.
“We had a bigger turnout then usual with the Mil Lel Steam and Machinery Association and a welcome return of the Elders Ag Learning Centre.
“There is no one highlight, everything combined creates the show atmosphere.
“The major entertainment packages like the Flying Flamingos and the Jetpack Entertainment on the main arena were big drawcards as were the Dinkum Dinosaurs which attracted a lot of children.”
Mr Kerr said he would like to thank the Mount Gambier City Council and the Grant District Council for supporting the event, along with their troupe of volunteers.
“Michelle Lusty, Margaret Douglas and Kerry Hill did a marvellous job setting up the indoor exhibits,” he said.
“We would be lost without Margaret who is a life member of the Mount Gambier A & H Society.
“We have four great volunteers here on site who turn up five days a week.”
Mr Kerr said it was fantastic to see the community supporting the show.
“We are grateful to the community from Mount Gambier and the surrounding districts,” he said.
“The show brings a lot of people to the local area to look at the attractions and exhibits.
“People come from all around Australia and support our community with accommodation, meals, fuels etc. which is great for the region.
“The show is strongly supported by the locals including a lot of local businesses showing their wares.
“However, next year we would like to gain more support from local people in our trade sites to provide an opportunity for local businesses.
“I cannot wait for next year’s show, if it is as good as this year’s we will be laughing.”
