Year in Review | The Greater Shepparton events that stole the show

Still, the city showed up and showed off.

From wheeling and car show dealing, to serving up piping hot cuisines, to a talented ensemble of musicians — these are some of the best main event moments of 2024.

Zaidee’s Mad Cow Mud Run muddies its last trail

Little did they know, the 2024 participants of Zaidee’s Mad Cow Mud Run would have the last laugh and the final spray of mud.

About 235 participants gathered at KidsTown in Mooroopna on February 24 to crawl through pits of mud and scramble over obstacles, their beaming smiles being the only whites not to be muddied.

The annual event, organised by Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation, honours the local legend Zaidee Turner, who became an organ donor at the age of seven after her tragic death from a cerebral aneurysm in 2004.

Despite the day being filled with mud, sweat and cheers — many participants even ran the course twice — the turnout was significantly lower than the previous year’s 650 participants.

This decline understandably disappointed Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation founder and proud dad of Zaidee Allan Turner.

Then, in November, it was the Greater Shepparton community’s turn to feel disappointment.

Due to ongoing challenges, including declining participation, the repercussions of COVID-19 and economic factors, Mr Turner announced that Zaidee’s Mad Cow Mud Run would be discontinued in 2025 and would not return in any form.

He expressed gratitude to all past participants, volunteers and supporters, acknowledging that the loss of this event would be deeply felt in the region.

Kyabram Rodeo got back on the horse

This ain’t their first rodeo. In fact, it was their 78th.

The Kyabram Rodeo, one of Australia’s longest-running rodeos, returned on March 8, featuring the nation’s top horse and bull wranglers riding, roping, racing, and holding on for dear life.

Spectators poured into the Kyabram Showgrounds for a night filled with traditional rodeo events, such as bull riding, bucking horses and barrel racing, along with food and drinks available for purchase.

Further livening the evening was a performance by the Iain Archibald Band, which returned after a successful show the previous year.

Kyabram Rodeo committee secretary Janelle McDonald described the rodeo as a massive success, noting that the band was a hit with the audience, the bar remained busy throughout the event and the animals showcased impressive performances.

Attracting larger crowds every year, it’s safe to assume the local point of pride in Kyabram will again thunder into town like a bull in a china shop in 2025.

Converge on the Goulburn united and delighted

Arguably one of the region’s best cultural offerings is Converge on the Goulburn.

On April 12 and 13, the annual multicultural and First Nations festival announced itself with the electrifying energy of a lightning strike.

About 6000 people gathered at Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton to witness powerful performances by Congolese artists, African Star Dance and Drumming, Nepalese performers and the Filipino dance group Fafa Dancers.

Although the festival was held lakeside, local martial arts club Gracie Jiu-Jitsu made the grounds its dojo for the celebration with a live demonstration of its members physical skill.

Musical acts thrilled the crowd, with rising star Tom Nethersole kicking off the event, followed by headliner Jonathan Junior King’s infectious African beats.

Saturday night featured performances from Ree Peric, DJ Shadowz and Melbourne band 2nd Nature, among others, culminating in a closing act by the Dili Allstars.

The event’s menus more than matched the entertainment, offering a spread of diverse culinary options.

Multiculturalism is an inextricable part of Greater Shepparton’s identity, and City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the festival reflected this through the sharing of traditions and the enjoyment of food.

The mother of all fundraisers

On Mother’s Day, breakfast in bed is a real treat, but a run, walk or paddle is a true Mother’s Day Classic.

On May 12, the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation hosted its 12th annual Shepparton event at Victoria Park Lake, featuring 2km, 4km and 8km distances.

More than 300 participants laced up their running shoes and donned their tutus for the occasion, creating a vibrant sea of pink and teal to support breast and ovarian cancer research.

For the first time, the event raised funds for ovarian cancer research in partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation while continuing to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Historically, the National Breast Cancer Foundation had been the sole beneficiary, receiving $44 million over 26 years.

Participants could direct their funds to either breast cancer, ovarian cancer or both, reflecting a significant expansion in the event’s mission.

In addition to the festivities, local super-mum and long-time Mother’s Day Classic runner Taren Kirby captivated the masses as the event’s guest speaker.

Event co-ordinator Kathy Fuller described the day as “absolutely magical” and expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support.

Smoke on the Water raised the steaks

There’s no magic ingredient to a great steak, but there is to an event centred on its varied barbecue-bronzed crusts, punch of seasonings and mouthwatering marinades.

Spoiler alert: it’s community.

On July 20 and 21, locals and visitors brought their appetites for the Smoke on the Water festival’s stint in Shepparton.

It was a two-day entertainment event filled with live music, fire twirling, pig racing, numerous market stalls and a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the sky on Sunday night to conclude the celebrations.

Talented pitmasters revelled in the opportunity to showcase their skills, grilling and generously seasoning their signature dishes before serving them.

Needless to say, carnivorous cravings were satiated with juicy ribs, tender brisket and other delectable smoked meats cooked to perfection.

Smoke on the Water managing director Steve Timmis said the event showcased the region’s best and celebrated the strength and resilience of its communities.

“The quality of what we have and what we produce in our own backyard is something to be celebrated,” he said.

Following its successful Shepparton stop, the festival was set to move to Murray Bridge, concluding at Wodonga for its final stop.

Record numbers for Biggest Blokes Lunch and Ladies Who Lunch

The Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch continued to live up to its name this year, with over 1030 tickets sold — the highest in its 15-year history.

Who could have possibly entertained more than a thousand attendees?

Funny you should ask.

Two Australian comedians, Darren Carr and Lawrence Mooney, brought an infectious energy to the stage, while the ever-charismatic Des Dowling was the event MC.

There was also a raffle, an auction and plenty of food.

However, what lay beyond the crockery and cutlery was an important cause.

The annual fundraiser, chaired by Shane O’Sullivan, supports prostate cancer research in Australia, and this year, it raised over $200,000, with the auction contributing $141,300 to that total.

Similarly, the annual Ladies Who Lunch event held an equally impressive gathering, attracting 700 attendees and raising about $100,000.

Chair Lisa McKenzie couldn’t contain her excitement as she reflected on the event.

“There was such a buzz in the room; the comedian Claire Hooper was a huge hit, and there was just such a sense of community and support for each other, women experiencing cancer and GV Health,” she said.

“There was an overwhelming sense of fun and enjoyment and a lot of generosity in the room.”

Shepparton on show

The annual Shepparton Show attracted large crowds on October 11 and 12, bringing excitement to the showgrounds with rides, stalls and games for families and children.

The event was first held in 1877, and this year’s show included displays of miniature horses, pony judging, and youth cattle showcasing.

Despite the absence of the poultry section due to a global bird flu outbreak, Michelle Beamish, usually involved in poultry displays, took the opportunity to enjoy the show instead.

To still engage visitors with the poultry shed, she dressed up as a bird and introduced a live duck named Crumpet.

Various community groups and businesses participated, including Sirius College, whose students showcased crafts they created throughout the year.

The McIntosh Pavilion featured striking horticulture displays, artwork from the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre, a miniature train display, highland dancing and a Tiny Tots competition.

The Country Women’s Association served refreshments and scones, while the Shepparton Heritage Society’s stall provided show bags and activities for children.

Acting president Kristy Rudd reported a busy and positive day, especially with many kids attending and groups from disability services visiting the event.

Another course of St George’s Rd Food Festival

No-one in Shepparton was starved for entertainment or food choices on November 16 as the St George’s Rd Food Festival made its return.

The annual event served as a vibrant hub of culinary diversity and community spirit, attracting 4000 attendees to sample an array of 16 cuisines, take in a performance from one of 12 cultural acts and mingle with fellow foodies.

While parents had a bite to eat, children sunk their teeth into the fun activities organised by Activities in the Park.

An inflatable soccer arena saw kids bounce into the beautiful game, scoring net-bending goals.

Another big hit was the soccer darts attraction at Victory Park Oval, allowing participants to aim for oversized targets.

As attendees left with full bellies and full hearts, the festival wrapped up another year of culinary excellence and community connections.

Feeling hot, hot, hot at SpringNats

Where there’s smoke, there’s a fired-up SpringNats.

On November 22 and 23, the Shepparton Showgrounds became a mecca for auto enthusiasts as rubber-ripping and roar-inducing rides showcased their power and prowess in honour of the event’s 31st anniversary.

Saturday’s itinerary went full throttle, featuring a show and shine, drifts and burnouts that sent plumes of tyre smoke billowing into the air.

One of the day’s most memorable moments was the street parade along Fryers St, where an array of prized whips had heads turning.

However, the weather was hotter than the exhaust pipes, leading to the cancellation of Sunday’s events.

This abrupt closure cast a shadow over what had otherwise been a thrilling and unforgettable weekend, leaving gear heads yearning for more.

Fifty years of fa-la-laing at Carols by Candlelight

Before Santa Claus was due to come to town, Carols by Candlelight celebrated its half-century with a full guest list.

It was an O Holy Night on December 22 and an overcrowded attendance, but by a Christmas miracle, everyone was packed on to the lawns of the Queen’s Gardens in Shepparton.

As usual, there was a slew of entertainment as varied as the gifts in Santa’s sleigh, including a performance by renowned artist Adam Thompson of Chocolate Starfish.

However, this year’s event featured a notable shift in format, introducing a house band composed of Greater Shepparton Secondary College students under the mentorship of local musician Peter Formica.

Sophie Fimmel served as the anchor MC for the not-so-silent night, while previous MCs made special guest appearances.

And the entertainment didn’t stop there (neither did these Christmas puns).

Fireworks ended the festivities with a bang – a Christmas-cracking way to mark the 50th anniversary of Shepparton’s beloved holiday event.