Record numbers at Lilydale Show

By Kath Gannaway
THE Lilydale Show recorded its biggest ever attendance on the weekend.
Visitors from all around the Yarra Valley and Melbourne’s suburbs flocked to the Lilydale Showgrounds over the two-day show to enjoy all the fun of a real country show.
Lilydale Agricultural & Horticultural Society president Bob Higgs said they were astounded by the support shown by the local community who came together in force in a hard economic climate to relax and enjoy everything the show had to offer.
“We were blessed with the weather over the weekend which no doubt contributed to the increase of patrons this year,” Mr Higgs said.
The Show featured a variety of community groups and displays, food and wine from local producers, horse and horse jump competitions – back after last year’s absence due to the equine flu scare, the crowd-pleasing woodchop events, the thrill of the carnival and a myriad of animal displays and competitions including sheep shearing and dairy goat milking.
A highlight was the Saturday night twilight entertainment with the dog high jump and working dog display.
Thousands of people rocked on the main arena to the live band performed by Hugh McDonald and gasped with delight at the spectacular fireworks display.
Mr Higgs paid tribute to the show’s volunteers, community supporters and sponsors.
“The Lilydale Show could not operate without the dedication and devotion of our volunteers, some who have been involved for decades,” he said.
“We are very grateful for their ongoing support.”
He thanked community groups including the Rotary Club, Scouts, CFA, SES, St John Ambulance, Venturers, Rovers, Lilydale Football club and Lilydale Cricket Club who he said assisted with the running of the show year after year.
“Our special thanks to our sponsors, Mitre10 Mega Lilydale, Yarra Valley Ford Lilydale, Petstock, Silvandale Transport, Shire of Yarra Ranges and the many businesses sponsoring the individual sections,” he added.
Mr Higgs said the show was evolving and was looking forward to 2009 when the “Yarra Ranges Heritage Lilydale Show” would be held on the third weekend in November.
Anyone who would like to contribute as a volunteer is invited to register their interest now on 9735 1292 or via admin@lilydaleshow.org.au.