EXHIBITORS have rallied to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days call, writes MARK SAUNDERS
Keen demand from hundreds of exhibitors has forced the organisers of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days to expand the site this year.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Murray Wilson said he had been overwhelmed by the response from exhibitors for the 48th annual field days, which begins next Tuesday, March 2.
"I think we will have to put up the 'full-house' sign," Murray said.
More than 700 exhibitors from around Australia will descend on the 23ha site, an indication of the continued strength of the field days.
Such is the demand for sites, organisers have had to install extra exhibition space.
"We've had to create about 30 new outdoor sites and erect a new marquee," Murray said.
"We've sold about 1200 sites and the quality of exhibitors is excellent."
It's a big turnaround for the Wimmera Machinery Field Days following several trying years in terms of seasonal conditions.
Murray said the region was particularly hard hit after the 2006 drought but the event has gradually gained momentum since 2007.
"Next week's field days will be one of the strongest in recent memory, without a doubt," he said.
"Many of out long-standing exhibitors have doubled their site space, which is an indication of the depth of machinery and know-how that will be on display."
The field days also cater for a wide variety of non-machinery displays for general appeal such as food pavilions, clothing and fun activities.
A dedicated Field Days Square with plenty of shade houses an impressive Kids Animal Farm and Peddle Tractors.
There are also several rides for the kids to enjoy.
More family comfort is provided in a fully air-conditioned Parents' Tent, which has specialist facilities for smaller kids.
The local community also benefits from the field days.
Murray estimated more than $150 million worth of machinery and equipment would be on show, with the field days injecting millions of dollars into the Wimmera economy.
"It's a massive tourist attraction with people bringing money into the region," he said. "There is not another annual event in western Victoria that brings so many people together for a three or four-day period."
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days will be held on March 2-4.
Gates open at 8am and close at 5pm.
Ticket prices are adults $15, secondary students $5 while children under-12 are admitted free of charge.
For more details, phone (03) 5384 7210.
