From alluring lizards to the stars of hit children’s show Paw Patrol, this year’s Parklea Pakenham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show will feature something for attendees of all ages.
Billed as one of the biggest events across Cardinia and with free entry, the 113th Parklea Pakenham and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show will be held at the P.B. Ronald Reserve on Saturday 16 March from 9am to 4pm, next to Pakenham Hall, at the junction of Henry Street and John Street.
Show president David Young said entry is once again free to the show.
“There’s a long list of attractions,“ he said.
“We look forward to an excellent day.“
Reptile Encounters will be a major feature again at this year’s show.
Participants will be amazed by feathered, furry and scaly creatures in this hands-on display of animal life. Everyone will get an up-close look at a hand raised marsupial, rainforest parrot, freshwater turtle, shingleback lizard, monitor lizard, pythons and even a crocodile, with demonstrations about what they eat, where they live and more.
Other highlights will include the baby animal farm, miniature goats exhibition, the Parklea Adventure Trail showbags with 18 stands, sheep and poultry competitions, Meccano and Lego exhibitions, Cardinia Youth’s skateboard competitions, camel rides, carnival rides and a Brandt Tractors exhibition.
Mr Young said the Parklea Adventure Trail features “great value“ for the young showgoers.
“That’s a good way to keep the children occupied,“ he said.
Mr Young said on top of the sheep and poultry competitions, another highlight will be all of the entries featured in the pavilion, including produce and artwork.
“We’d love to have more people enter their produce and artwork into the future,“ he said.
Pakenham Library will also be hosting a Butterfly Adventures Gazebo from 9.30am to 12.30pm inside the library.
The Living Learning Centre, which is on the western boundary of the reserve, will also be a bright and busy area all day. Here, there will be multicultural dancing and singing throughout the day.
9.00am African Drummers, 10.00am Shivam Dance Academy, 10.30am Tamil Dancers, 11.00am Creative Souls, 11.30am Sapphire Dancers (Bollywood), 1.00pm Brazilian Dancers, 1.30pm Bandok Tati’s Aboriginal Dance Group, 2.00pm Seychellois Dancers, 2.30pm Madi – African Drums.
The Cardinia Civic Concert Band will once again be a vital part of the show program appearing at 11am as well as the giant pumpkin and vegetable competitions will again attract enormous interest.
The Junior Personality competition will take place in front of the Pakenham Hall/Library at 1pm; entries taken at 12 noon.
Added bonus to the outside competitions starting from 12 noon will be the gumboot throw, paper plane and the new Hobby Horse Fancy Dress Relay race competitions with plenty of fabulous prizes to be won.
While you’re in the vicinity of PB Ronald Reserve for the Pakenham Show this weekend, it is well worth checking out the Pakenham Skate Park Competition. You’ll be able to walk from the main show area to the skate park at 11am for the scoot competition, followed by BMX at 12.30pm and skate at 1.30pm. It is free entry, and all ages and abilities are welcome.
This year the dog component of the show will be held on Sunday 17 March with many entries expected.
Mr Young said one of the main goals of the committee is to ensure the show is welcoming to people of all cultures from across the South East.
“It’s an inclusive show,“ he said.
“There’s a number of multicultural things occurring.“
Mr Young said the show committee are grateful to major sponsors Parklea and Cardinia Council.
“Without their support, the show wouldn’t be possible,“ he said.
“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to have a fee-free show.“
Mr Young said the show’s committee members and volunteers are also invaluable to ensuring the day runs without a hitch.
“I’d like to thank all the committee members and all the volunteers,“ he said.
“Getting lots of people to the show makes all that hard work worthwhile.“
The show committee comprises of a dedicated group of people of all ages.
New committee members are always welcome.
If you would like to be involved or help with the preparations for the show, give the show secretary a ring 0401 271 627 or email pakenhamshow1@bigpond.com.
You’ll enjoy a wonderful day out – and entry is free.
