Enjoy this year's Horsham show with new additions

A new layout plus the addition of yabbie races and the #5after5 promotion is set to ensure this year's Horsham Show is one of the biggest and best yet.

The twilight carnival will kick the show off on Saturday September 28 from 5pm.

Young and old alike are sure to enjoy the evening at side show alley with entry for all ages just $5.

The new layout is set to improve the look, feel and usability of the show.

"There's a brand new layout with all the rides starting from the main gates," executive administrator Andrea Cross said.

"They'll weave their way around the north end of the arena to create a real hub of activity.

"We've got the showmen here measuring everything and making sure it's right as this layout will stay for the next generation.

"Logistics are really critical at this point and it's important to get it right.

"A lot of them have had the space spaces for 100 years but they've all embraced the change really positively."

This new layout will not only make it easier for people to access rides but it will also help to add to the "festival" feel that the show is creating to ensure people keep coming back each year.

"There is a resurgence of agricultural shows in terms of them being more of a festival for families," Andrea said.

"There's so much to do and there's something for everybody and all abilities."

Horsham Agricultural Society organises the annual show which boasts running 141 shows over 143 years.

The only years a show hasn't run in the town was during World War II.

Needless to say, with a history like that the show is ingrained in the social fabric of the region.

The changes made for this year will ensure the show is kept interesting and always attracts a crowd.

The yabbie races are one of those changes and are sure to keep people entertained while also raising money for charity.

The four races are: Horsham Show Cup, T&G Gallop, Town Hall Trot and Wimmera River Run.

Money raised during these races will be donated to the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners and Dolly's Dream.

These charities were selected due to close links within the Horsham Agricultural Society volunteers.

The vice president and his family are actively involved in the hay runs by driving their truck and also donating hay.

While the ambassador for Dolly's Dream, Tim Curtain, will be performing at the Maydale Reserve on February 22 with his horsemanship skills and working dog performance.

"He's just released a new single We're Still Here and we want to support and promote that," Andrea said.

The Ag fest wine bar will be open all day and into the evening with live music including the Stiff Legged Goats.

There's also lots of entertainment for children including the McDonald's Petting Zoo, which is open until 9pm, and the Wimmera Design and Print Agricultural Playground.

This is the first year the Agricultural Playground has been included in the show.

It's inclusion was a direct result of feedback from show patrons who wanted more free activities for children.

"The Agricultural Playground is half an arena full of free children's activities," Andrea said.

"People wanted more for kids to do."

Entertainment in the main arena is sure to please children and adults alike with the Horsham Dog Obedience Club to put on three displays during the day.

The show opens at 10am with side show alley and various competitions but the official opening will be at 12.45pm at Maydale Hub, on stage under the flagpole.

"This year the show will be opened by long-term supporters ACE Radio, represented by general manager, Brendan O'Loughlan," Andrea said.

If you can't make it to the show during the day make sure you take advantage of the #5after5 deal.

"We're looking to encourage a potential new crowd," Andrea said.

Arriving after 5pm means you can experience the yabbie races, live music and of course the fireworks.

This year the fireworks are sponsored by Cec Hopper and Sons Electrical and are scheduled for 8.45pm.

When: Saturday September 28 from 5pm to 9pm and Sunday September 29 from 10am to 10pm

Where: Maydale Reserve Horsham

Cost: Saturday $5, Sunday 10am to 5pm $15, $10 concession/student, 5pm to 9pm all ages $5. Under five-years-old free.