Don Walker and Don Wright show off a 1920 6 hp International Harvester Company petrol engine.
By Russell Bennett
RAIN in the hills on the weekend cancelled a number of local events but failed to dampen the spirits of those at the Wandin Silvan Field Days.
Australia’s top horticulture and agriculture products and services were on display at the 41st running of the beloved fixture.
Exhibitors from Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia displayed their wares alongside those from regional and country Victoria.
President of the field days committee Graham Parker said the persistent rain had an impact on crowd numbers early in the event but Saturday’s activities and sales proved too good to resist.
“Friday’s gate numbers were definitely down,” Mr Parker said.
“But on Saturday, they were comparable to last year’s.”
“I’d put that down to the overall strength of the event.”
Mr Parker said the committee was already talking stall bookings for next year’s Field Days with a large number of people asking how to get involved.
“People were swapping business cards all event long,” he said.
“Sellers and buyers alike are really keen to come back next year and take part again.”
Three local schools combined with the Country Women’s Association to provide the catering for the event.
Students from St Mary’s in Mount Evelyn, Wandin Yallock Primary, and Yellingbo Primary all worked tirelessly in their schools’ main annual fund-raiser.
All gate takings from the Field Days went to the Gruyere, Wandin, Silvan and Seville fire brigades in return for local volunteer fire fighters cleaning up after the event and assisting with parking and traffic.
The Field Days also provided a large percentage of those brigades’ annual fund-raising, according to Mr Parker.
“On behalf of the committee, I’d just like to thank the exhibitors, workers and of course the visitors for weathering the storm over the weekend,” he said.
Next year’s 42nd running of the event promises to be even bigger with a horticultural themed photographic competition and display added to the festivities.
For more information about the Wandin Silvan Field Days, visit www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au
