The Nathalia Agricultural Society is celebrating its 128th annual show, which will be held at Nathalia Recreation Reserve on October 5.
This year’s theme for the show is “Lexus Melbourne Cup”, and for a good reason, too.
The Melbourne Cup will be on display and available for fans to hold and take photos with as part of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.
Nathalia Agricultural Society secretary Ellen Morcombe said they were overjoyed to have this famous piece of Australian sporting history come to the show.
“It is fantastic,” Morcombe said
“It is something we have been looking at for several years, hoping that one day we could make it happen.
“This year, we were successful in our application and we are thrilled.”
Along with the cup, other racing royalty will also attend the show.
Although Morcombe couldn’t reveal the surprise guests or horses, she did say it would be a fantastic opportunity for racing fans.
“I can’t tell you just yet, but (the tour) usually has some cup-winning jockeys,” she said.
“They have a question-and-answer session and they judge our Fashion on the Fields competition.
“We have a full horse program again this year, and we are working really hard to make our horse section grow.
“If you want to compete, that is available as well.”
Cup dignitaries will also judge the beloved Mr Nathalia Mullets and Facial Hair competition.
The Nathalia Agricultural Show will offer families a wide variety of free entertainment, including a virtual gaming experience, a snake and wildlife pit, giant soccer, giant sumo suits and displays.
There will also be a market, community stalls, show bags, a jumping castle and more.
A home crafts pavilion will offer classes on a range of subjects, such as cooking, gardening, woodwork, flowers and LEGO.
Morcombe said the society hoped to keep growing the show year after year.
“After COVID-19, we thought it wouldn’t get to the same level again, but we had a really successful show last year and we were happy with the turnout,” she said.
“We will be hoping this year is again a big one.
“Hopefully, a bit bigger with the Melbourne Cup coming; it’s something different.”
Adult tickets for the day are $15 and $5 for children, while preschoolers go free.
Morcombe encouraged parents to bring their children to the show, saying it is an affordable and entertaining day out.
“We are a great country show with a lot of stuff to offer and a lot of free entertainment, especially for kids,” she said.
“We have a new special gaming experience this year which is targeted at teenagers — a space that we have traditionally lacked a bit.
“As a parent with little children myself, when you take them to the big events, the rides and that can be a bit overwhelming.
“Nathalia has a much more country show feel.”
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