By Mitchell Clarke
In its 171st year, the annual Berwick Show continues to draw a massive crowd, with families flocking into Akoonah Park to witness the country come to the city.
Organisers couldn’t have planned for more perfect weather, as up to 10,000 people poured through the gates of the two day event on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February.
One of 114 shows across the state and the largest within the region, the Berwick Show originally began its journey as an agricultural show – a place for farmers to proudly exhibit their stock.
“I think the bare bones of the show are still exactly the same as it was 50-60 years and probably even 171 years ago, it’s all about country life on display,” Berwick Show president Tom Gibson said.
But nowadays, the show hosts something for everyone – from farm animals, festival rides and food trucks, kids could cuddle up with miniature goats and come face to face with an alpaca before jumping on the dodgems or trying to win big with the laughing clowns whilst indulging in a churro.
Serving just his second year as show president, Mr Gibson is familiar with the event, having attended the show since he was a child.
“I’ve been coming here and competing since the 1960s – thanks to my parents Ann and Bruce Gibson for introducing me to the world of the Berwick Show,” he said.
“I love the fun and excitement of the people that come here and enjoy all the different highlights of the show.
“The thing I most look forward to is happy families and seeing the joy in people’s faces when they see a firework burst above them, or a motorbike flipping in the air, or a horse clearing a jump, or a massive bull being led.”
Akoonah Park management committee president Andy Fyfe said the “magnificent” showground was the perfect location to hold the show.
“What a perfect day it is to have a show, we couldn’t have got better (weather) and if we don’t get a big crowd this year, we never will,” Mr Fyfe said.
“Akoonah Park is very proud to be associated with the show society and we hope to have many more years together.”
Federal La Trobe MP Jason Wood said the Berwick Show must be considered as the “best show in the region”.
“The show has a fantastic vision, I think the best thing about the Berwick Show is that all children get the chance to meet the cows, sheep and horses, which they might not otherwise have a chance to,” he said.
“This is a fantastic local opportunity to do that and it’s something that I’m very excited to be involved in and support.”
State Gembrook MP Brad Battin helped to open the show’s official proceedings and said the weekend was all about showing people the culture and history of Berwick.
“At the end of the day, while this is bringing the country to the city, this is actually a great place for all of us in areas such as Casey and Cardinia,” he said.
“It’s a chance to say thank you to those in our community that make sure we have food on our tables and to those who protect us, particularly our emergency services.”
The show’s president had a lasting message for those who weren’t able to attend the event this year.
“If you didn’t come to the Berwick Show, you missed a great weekend of fun and activity here in Berwick,” Mr Gibson said.
“Definitely make a note for next year – it’s held the 4th weekend of February every year.”
