THE Foster & District Show Committee split the show over two days for the 2023 annual event, with the exhibit well received being set up and judged on the Saturday prior to the Sunday official opening.
Since the Foster indoor stadium redevelopment, the committee had the opportunity to make use of the space, inviting exhibitors to present their entries; judging was conducted in a vast variety of categories including but not limited to garden and farm produce, home produce, jams, preserves and sauces, homemade wine and beer, craft, creative art, floral art, and photography.
Notable winners from the exhibited shed were John Davies Memorial Trophy (Most successful garden produce exhibitor) awarded to Rhonda Bland, and Mary McDonald Memorial Trophy (Most successful exhibitor in Craft, Sewing & Needlecraft and Knitting & Crochet Sections) to Lesley Beakley.
The Biggest Pumpkin grown from supplied seed was awarded to Toora Primary School and Biggest Pumpkin from any seed (weight and volume) to Samara Cunningham – the first of this new exhibit for the Foster show.
The Creative Art People's Choice Award was presented to Lizetta Winterburn's painting "Cow Behind Wire" and Best Photography Exhibit to Gary Beresford's "We Was Framed".
Secretary of Foster & District A&P Society Den Gilheany said overall, “I'd say a successful show, a lot of comments about it being a traditional agricultural show which is nice to hear.”
“I’m proud to see such a full exhibit shed and have lots of local families getting involved in different competitions across the entire show program,” said Den.
“Poultry, photography and on farm challenge entries were up on previous years, the working dog trial has expanded to include a local class, it’s wonderful to have use of the stadium again this year and we look forward having use of a revamped oval next year.”
New features of the show were well supported by the community with families getting involved in fashions on the field and jumping on board a horse and cart ride around the showgrounds.
“We were very lucky to show our wood chop this year, which is a classic favourite, they’re so skilled we hope to see it here again in the future.”
The dog high jump, sheaf tossing contest and the young farmers challenge were highlights in the grandstand with almost two-year-old female - red dog, Coolie Kelpie, Ash taking out the dog high jump, reaching a new record height of 2540cm.
“The avenue of agriculture showcased an innovated display for farmers, and I’d like to make a special mention to our 2023 Rural Ambassador Sammy Spark - a vet at the Gippsland Vet Group and greatly involved with the show committee.”
The grounds were lively with families indulging in show bags and riding the cha cha from Taylors Amusements whilst the CFA, SES and Ambulance held demonstrations and vintage and new tractors were on display.
The committee saw another successful year with the rural community continuing to show their support in the historic Foster show.
Council
Only three Bass Coast councillors survive brutal poll
FORGET Donald Trump! That’s old news. There’s been a sensational outcome to the Bass Coast Shire Council elections with sitting councillors David Rooks, Leticia Laing and Les Larke all ousted by the voters. With former mayors Michael Whelan and...
