2020 VAS Ltd Convention CANCELLED

The Convention has been cancelled with the VAS Ltd AGM to be held at a later date which may not be until October onwards. This meeting will be combined with a Council meeting when social gatherings are able to happen again.

VAS has up to 5 months after the end of the financial year 31st March to have its AGM and extensions are being granted by Consumer Affairs Victoria due to the social gathering regulations. Lilydale was to host the 2020 Convention and the opportunity will be offered to them to host in 2021.

Carrot Cake & Carrot & Date Muffin Competitions – State Final to be held at the Royal Melbourne Show if this goes ahead at its normal time.

Junior Ambassador Award – Most likely combined with the final of the Rural Ambassador Award during the Royal Show.

2020 Convention Cancelled.png

Show Highlights - Wodonga Show

Our show was well attended, although I feel our numbers would have been down due to mainly the Coronavirus as our Show was held on the 14th March 2020.  This year we had both Chris Humfrey the Animal Trainer and Nicholas Dacomb, who did a high wire act and circus act which the children absolutely loved.  The RFDS Simulator was there also and with the Amusements we had, people seemed to have a great time.  

We took precautionary measures of having hand washing facilities at each gate together with soap and anti-bacterial liquids on hand for people to wash their hands regularly.  This seemed to work well. One of the highlights we had was a lady in a cow suit representing Maggie Moo.  The children loved her and she was dancing and  going on the rides with them - this seemed to be a big hit. She also gave out some Kiewa Chocolate Milk which had been donated. There was a lot of interest in the Young Farmers Challenge and we managed to get 1 Rural Ambasssador.  The show started at 9.00 and people were still coming in the gate at 3.00.  

For more photos jump onto our Facebook Page and check out all the fun at the Wodonga Show.

Show Highlights - Tyrendarra Show

The Tyrendarra Agricultural Show has been run for the 103rd time and what a great show it was this year.  Crowd numbers were up, the entertainment provided was well received and the weather on the day was sensational.

 The Cookery section saw an increase on entries, with judges testing and tasting there way through in excess of 300 entries.  The Historical section had an amazing display of retro items which also saw great entry numbers in the classes and provided a great visual trip down memory lane for so many show goers. Cattle numbers that have been down in recent years saw a marked increase in both cattle and also young people participating in the section and with young people the future this was great to see.

With poultry this year’s feature we saw great numbers and enthusiasm from competitors and the general public.  The Craft and Fancy Work section also showed an amazing diversity of work, styles and materials being exhibited. With the weather for 2019/2020 being a little crazy, we saw a smaller Farm and Produce and Flower section but what was presented was of high quality.

We are finding as a show that we need to continue to advertise and while the traditional classes will be supported each year we need to constantly look to attract and encourage new participants and attendees to the show.  Our dedicated sectional stewards have been instrumental in thinking up new classes that are relevant to the times and appeal to people.  Farm and Produce section is a prime example, with the Honey section and egg emoji class in its second year having increased numbers and much interest from the public.

Social Media has again proven to be our cheapest form of advertising and also allows us to generate interest in specific classes or to offer guidance on class requirements.  It also provides us with a communication stream where people can message us questions and have them answered, this is not possible with Print, Radio or TV advertising.  Social Media also provided us with the ability to advertise for trade/market stands.  We had some great trade/market stand this year which along with our classes and the entertainment goes to make our little country show an event that people want to attend and participate in.

Anne Burley

President

Show Highlights - Foster Show

Here is a recap on Foster Agricultural Show. VAS would like to congratulate the Foster Agricultural Show of conducting a successful Show after being in Recess in 2019. VAS would love to hear from the Shows about what were the highlights oshowhif your 2020 Show. Send it through to info@vicagshows.com.au with a few photos.

We are pleased to deem the 112th Foster & District Ag Show a success! Perfect weather, new competitions including a woodchop and on farm dairy challenges combined with the immense enthusiasm of our local community for the return of their agricultural show resulted in exceptional attendance rates.

Strong competition returned to the exhibit shed with 10-12 entries in both the VAS Fruit Cake and Carrot Cake competitions. Horse classes, HRCAV ring and showjumping in particular, had high participation rates and the dog high jump was a real crowd favourite with the grandstand overflowing with spectators. Nearly 250 free showbags were awarded for our inaugural “Golden Brick Road” challenge for kids.

The committee would like to thank all the businesses and individuals that supported the return of our show be it financially or simply for their attendance. We are excited to spend the next 12 months working towards a great 113th Foster & District Show to be held on Saturday 27th February 2021!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Wishing all Show Societies, Exhibitors and Supporters of Victorian Agricultural Shows a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

VAS appreciates your support and contribution you have made to the Victorian Agricultural Shows Movement in 2019 and we look forward to the 2020 Show Season.

The office will be reopen on the 30th December 2019 to prepare for the Saddle Horse Championships and the email address info@vicagshows.com.au will be monitored over this closing period.

VAS Christmas.png