Spring-time is show time here in Victoria, and with the Royal Melbourne Show behind us, we can now look forward to a plethora of country shows throughout the state over the next month or so – some just a short drive from the state capital. While many people are somewhat adverse to the noise, chaos and commercialism of big city shows, it's safe to say that most of us have a soft spot for their smaller and less flashy country cousins. An integral part of the Australian way of life, agricultural shows have been around since the early colonial days, and are now a much-loved part of almost every Aussie childhood. Coming up in just over a week, Maldon Agricultural Show is a classic country carnival, providing fun and entertainment for people of all ages as well as an insight into the agricultural heritage of the local area.
Image courtesy of the Maldon Show Facebook page
A small picturesque township, situated approximately 145 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, the township of Maldon came into being as a result of the Victorian gold rushes of the mid-nineteenth century. Although the heady years of the gold-mining days are long gone, many lovely historic buildings remain and in 1966 the town was declared to be a 'notable town' by the National Trust of Victoria. These days farming is the mainstay of the Maldon area, and the annual Maldon Show celebrates the town's agricultural heritage, while providing good old-fashioned family entertainment for locals and visitors, alike.
Image courtesy of the Maldon Show Facebook page
As a traditional country fair Maldon Agricultural Show offers plenty of special treats for city-slickers eager to gain an insight into country life such as exhibits of prize-winning livestock, a wool pavilion, hay-wagon rides, horse events, dog events (these are mentioned on the website to include a prize for The Dog with the Waggiest Tail and an Owner and Dog Look-alike) and in the afternoon, the ever-popular Grand Parade.
Image courtesy of the Maldon Show Facebook page
Vintage-lovers and fans of traditional country cooking and craft are also advised to check out all the wonderful and yummy exhibits over in the pavilion. There will be fruit cakes, sponge cakes, pumpkin scones, jams, preserves and lamingtons galore to drool over in the cookery section, while creative enthusiasts won't want to miss the displays of knitting, crochet, needlecraft, paper-craft, spinning, weaving, woodwork, metalwork, felting, photography and much more.
Image courtesy of the Maldon Show Facebook page
Country shows are always good spots to gawk at impressive gardening achievements and Maldon Show is no exception. If you're an enthusiastic gardener or even just a wannabe, be sure to head for the horticultural displays where fresh produce from some of the best local gardens and farms will be exhibited. For something a little different there is even a section in which children from local schools and playgroups have vied with each other to create the most handsome scarecrow from recycled materials.
Maldon Show is certainly a family-pleaser, so if you're on the look-out for wholesome affordable fun for your brood, it's definitely the place to be. Other awesome entertainment for the kids includes vintage games such as egg-and-spoon races, sack races, three-legged races, hobby-horse races, apple-bobbing and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. And there is so much more as well – much of which is free.
Maldon Show has been taking place every year since 1895, and apart from a few years during war-time, has never ceased. This year the show will be taking place on Sunday, October 16th at the Maldon Showgrounds on Lewis Road, Maldon. Whether you're a nostalgia-lover, country girl (or guy) or young family, be sure to mark this event into your social calendar. To find out more, go to the
Maldon Show website and
Facebook page. Alternatively, call 0413 918 212 for more information.
