FAMILIES were out and about for the annual festivities at the Murtoa Show on Friday.
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The sun was out and shining down for show-goers who were ready to dive straight into Murtoa’s Big Weekend.
Strolling through the gates were eager children with their parents in tow. The mechanical bull was once again a big hit for young children, who were ready to hold on for dear life.
Other crowd favourites were the bouncy castle, fairy floss and animals such as wombats, turtles and ponies.
Murtoa Show president Tom McGrath said the annual show had a slow build-up, but the enthusiasm from stallholders and visitors could not be contained.
Mr McGrath said clear skies and warm weather had settled in for the entire day.
“The affordability of the show is a big part of what makes it successful each year. Families come in knowing what rides they want to go on and food they want to buy,” he said.
Mr McGrath said Murtoa’s Big Weekend was critical for the show’s success.
“The spirit involved gets the community on board and everyone from all the events this weekend lends a hand to support each other,” he said.
Former Murtoa resident Melissa Bryan has been away from her hometown for 30 years after moving to Melbourne.
While she comes back to visit her family from time-to-time, this was her first experience of Murtoa’s Big Weekend.
Mrs Bryan said she was motivated by her four-year-old son, Sebastian, to see what the big weekend was all about.
Since she had fond memories of the Murtoa Show from her childhood, Mrs Byran and her son in tow started their weekend at the show.
Sebastian had a fascination with turtle at Jamie and Kim's Mobile Zoo.
“The show will definitely be a highlight for the family during this weekend,” she said. “The fairy floss and the animals are capturing his attention.”
For the rest of the big weekend, Mrs Byran said it was going to be a family affair with her whole family coming back to town to catch-up.
Update, October 7:
Speaking to the Wimmera Mail-Times on Sunday, Murtoa Big Weekend Committee chairman David Grigg said feedback had been positive.
“On Friday, our show was very successful and had a record crowd; everybody was very happy with how it went. The new committee really did a great job in improving the facilities and attractions at the show,” he said.
Close to 400 people attended a screening of Babe by Lake Marma on Friday evening, which was followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
On Saturday, more than 300 people viewed The Big Sing at the Murtoa Stick Shed. A further 500 people went through the shed throughout the open day.
“The street market on Saturday morning was fantastic; the street was packed with people. Overall we’re very happy with how things have gone,” he said.
Sunday’s events included a colour run by the lake, an ecumenical service and art show.