Family entertainment is now the main
Many country shows around the state
emphasis of the Show, but not of the
have fallen by the wayside, but during
gumboot competition, which is popular with
carnival and side show variety. Younger
the early 1990s the Red Hill Agricultural
the local schools and scout groups."
people and their parents love the animal
Society made the major decision to
The one day event held every 4th Saturday in
nurseries, the annual Ferret Cup, duck racing
modernise their event and to embrace
March attracts between 12,000 and 20,000
and the circus workshops. A horse dress-
the new agri-businesses of the region.
people, depending on the weather. It also
up competition for the children sees their
You still see cows, horses and sheep, but
draws hordes of suburban people out of
animals arrive clad in everything from ballet
it now also features avocados, alpacas
their homes for a few hours to sample the
costumes to Bananas in Pyjamas outfits.
and wine, including the 9th Annual Cool
best of country life.
The perennial favourite is the woodchop.
Climate Wine Show. Next year's show
A veritable army of helpers also descends
It's organised by the sixth generation of Red
will also feature a major Olive Expo. The
upon the picturesque showground during
Hill's axe-wielding Holmes family and features
Show also includes one of the biggest
March, including many Melburnians. The
well known choppers from around Victoria
and most prestigious show jumping
Society is always on the look-out for people
and interstate to compete for valuable prizes.
events of the country show circuit, which
to assist at all levels of the event. " Two
As a concession to modernity, it now also
attracts over a thousand entries for the
ladies from East Doncaster have been
features chain saw races.
two day, 12 event program.
coming down for years to help out with the
Liz says that the changing demographic
Devonshire tea", says Liz proudly.
of Red Hill over the past 20 years has
brought some new blood to the Show team,
The 2008 Red Hill Show program begins
including a number of younger members,
with the Show Horse event at Bittern on
as well as a renewed enthusiasm for entering
Sunday, March 9th, followed by the main
its 23 sections.
show day at Red Hill on Easter Saturday
March 22nd . It finishes with the two
"Several families who have moved down
day show jumping event at Treehaven
here enter into many sections. Dad will enter
Equestrian Centre in Somerville on April
the photography, mum the cooking, and the
5th and 6th.
kids will enter the vegies they have grown.
We've made a particular effort to involve
Telephone 5989 2357 or email redhillshow@
the younger community and we have junior
by Tim Bracher
sections in everything. We run a decorated
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www.visitor.com.au
Liz Dart and the Red Hill Show
