A FLOOD of new exhibitors has the Wimmera field days off to a flying start, writes MARK SAUNDERS
Despite a trying start to the year, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days is once again ready for action.
More than 500 exhibitors will be in attendance from every state in Australia.
Field days event manager Murray Wilson said he was heartened by the strong attendance of exhibitors.
"We have 90 new exhibitors this year and the indoor pavilions are chock-a-block full," Murray said.
"It's an obvious show of support for the event, showing it is a key field day for many exhibitors who supply agricultural products and services."
Like many other agricultural field days, the Horsham event is continually making changes to suit the changing demands of exhibitors and patrons.
One of the new developments this year is the Country Gourmet pavilion, which will play host to a variety of fine food and drink businesses.
The pavilion will also be the venue for cooking demonstrations each day.
Another first will be daily fashion parades, called the "Kees 2 Fashion".
Run by the Kalkee Football and Netball Club, Kees 2 Fashion promises something for everyone, according to co-ordinator Jo Martin.
"All the club members and our own 'Kees Kids' are really looking forward to the opportunity to be involved with the field days for the first time," Jo said.
"We have even talked our footy coach, Steve Schulz, into getting on to the catwalk, so it's going to be great fun."
Fashion parades will be held in the field days auditorium daily from 1pm to 2pm.
Children's entertainment will be based at Field Days Square, just beside the main administration building, with an animal farm and pedal tractors.
There's also a field days train for the kids to ride while Mum and Dad can take a break in the ample shade that surrounds the square.
Another first for the Wimmera field days this year is a carbon-offset plan.
The event's Carbon Conscious Program has been set up by an agreement between the field days office, Carbon Conscious and Australian Agricultural Contracts.
Under the agreement, the field days will undergo a thorough on-site audit of energy consumption and Mallee eucalypt trees will be planted to reduce the site's carbon footprint.
