Sideshow Alley at the Millicent showgrounds is currently crammed with caravans and trucks with the start of the 144th Millicent Show only a day away.
There had been unfounded rumours the ever-popular rides would be missing this year but such favourites like the Skydiver have returned to Millicent through the Showmen’s Guild of South Australia.
Owing to the cancellation of the 2020 Millicent Show, it has been two years since Sideshow Alley cranked up.
Showmen’s Guild of South Australia committee member Clayton Smans said he was pleased to be back in Millicent.
“We also have popular rides like Sizzler, Extreme Thriller, Kamikaze and Hard Rock back in Millicent,” Mr Smans said.
“Our ride prices have had to go up as there are higher costs for fuel and so on.”
Although COVID-related factors have prompted the cancellation of country shows at places like Penola and Port Augusta, Mr Smans enjoys spending much of the year on the road.
Elsewhere along Sideshow Alley, the ferris wheel is in place along with the inflatable slippery dip, shooting galleries and food and variety stalls.
The Millicent Show Society is continually on the look-out for new attractions with the MJ Dance Studio performing for the first time.
The mostly school-age performers will present a variety of dance
styles outside the show hall from 1.30pm on Saturday.
Among the other highlights of the 2021 Millicent Show will be the $500 prize for the champion rose from McCourt’s Garden Centre and motocross racing on the opening two days.
Fireworks will light up the Gordon Memorial Oval tomorrow night.
Horses will vacate the main arena on Saturday afternoon to allow the grand parade to proceed followed by Jim Garner’s long running demo derby.
Amazing stunt pilot Chris Sperou will perform aerial acrobatics at dusk tomorrow and on Saturday afternoon.
Although the Millicent Show was cancelled a year ago, ride-on lawn mower races still went ahead.
They are returning in 2021 and their engines will start revving at 11am on Saturday.
After an absence of many years, Vera’s Kitchen in the show hall will be 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.
Space restraints imposed by COVID rules meant a few indoor sections have been curtailed and some entry numbers are down.
The pandemic has also been blamed for the cancellation of all shearing contests.
Dozens of youngsters are set to compete for the various Show Persons contests while the animal nursery, first-time reptile room, school work displays, showbags and face-painting are added attractions.
The vital primary industries of the Millicent district are represented in the sheep, wool and poultry sections as well as yard dogs.
There have been many inquiries by trade exhibitors while there will be outdoors displays of unique vehicles and stationary engines.
As in previous years, there is free entry on Sunday with the sole activity being the horses-in-action.
Show officials are encouraging people to buy tickets on-line as the COVID management plan limits the capacity to 3000 per day.
