THE 57th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days are just around the corner.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With a jam-packed schedule of activities, demonstrations and entertainment, there will be something for everyone at the three-day event.
Manager Murray Wilson said the 34-member Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee had been busy preparing the site, with working bees every weekend leading into the event.
“Everything is in full swing to get the site ready for the event. Exhibitors are at capacity in the agribusiness centre, so we’re putting up a marquee this year to accommodate,” he said.
“The machinery dealers will be given more space so they will be able to bring more machinery onto their sites. Some of the key dealers will also be changing locations, so we’ll be having a fresh approach to everything this year.”
Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee president Chris Bartlett said there were a number of key highlights to look forward to at this year’s event, including the popular Motocross FMX Stunt Show.
Organisers will host a Twilight Day for the first time in the event’s history. The site will stay open until 7pm on Tuesday, with free entry after 3pm.
“We decided to do it to encourage people who don’t usually attend field days to come along and have a look,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Some people might be at work or have things on during the day, so now they will be able to pick the kids up from school and head out as a family. It’s a good opportunity for people to come and see what kind of show we put on. We’re the first field days in Australia to hold a Twilight Day.”
A large variety of food and drinks will be available to purchase at the event, including Prickly Moses handcrafted beer and cider and Great Western’s Seppelt wine.
There will also be plenty of activities to keep children entertained.
The popular Snake Show will return this year, with professional handlers providing demonstrations and informative talks on handling and care and snake bite advice. Shows will occur throughout each day.
Ultimate Helicopters will offer patrons a chance to get above the crowd and see first-hand the expanse of the field days site. Flights will take off throughout each day from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
The Country Gourmet Pavilion will be buzzing with activity this year, with cooking demonstrations, fashion parades and live performances from children’s entertainer, George the Farmer.
The field days awards will be handed out on Wednesday. This year’s categories include Machine of the Year and Agribusiness Innovation of the Year.
What you need to know:
Dates: March 5, 6 and 7.
Hours: Tuesday 9.30am to 7pm; Wednesday 8.30am to 5pm; and Thursday 8.30am to 4pm.
Entry: Adults $18; students aged 12 to 18 $5; children under 12 are free. Entry after 3pm on Tuesday is free.
EFTPOS: EFTPOS is available for entry at Gate 2 and 3. ATM machines are available at the site.
Bus: The site explorer bus runs from 9am to 4pm.
Scooter hire: Available from gate two. Anyone wanting to hire a scooter should book via www.eventscooterhire.com.au
Courier service: Free service available to help with bigger purchases. Let the exhibitor know if you wish to use the service.
First aid: Trained staff and fully equipped vehicles will be stationed at the field days office.
Parents: Family and Kids Marquee offers private feeding and change areas.
While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you’re up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.