THE THIRD RIVERINA FIELD DAYS—WRAP

The third Riverina Field Days, held in Griffith on the second Friday and Saturday in May at the Griffith Showgrounds was again a huge success.  For the third year, the weather conditions were sensational and the crowds came in their thousands with gate takings being almost the same as for the inaugural event in 2007 and the 2008 event—equating to approx. 10,000 people.  

 

Once again exhibitor numbers were down slightly on last year but we still attracted 200 exhibitors and there were at least 50 “first timers”.

 

Training the public to use the parking facilities within the confines of the Showgrounds is still a problem, but hopefully by 2010 they will be making full use of this facility instead of parking on the roads surrounding the Showground. 

 

Again both exhibitors and the public were unanimous in their praise of the organisation and facilities provided.  Exhibitors on the main arena were very complimentary of the site and wonderful grassed area and the inclusion of smaller general interest sites on the inside of the perimeter was also well received and this area will be expanded again in 2010.

 

We are again encouraging “general interest” exhibitors who do not require power to use the area on the main arena in the inside perimeter fence.   Most of these sites will be 6m x 6m or (12m x 6m) . Those who require power will be placed in one row, facing the main road and this area will be set aside soley those exhibitors who require power.

 

Once again there were mixed reports from exhibitors, as would be expected in this economic climate, depending on what they were selling, but overall their were more positive reports than were received in 2008.

 

The Exhibitors’ Dinner held at the Coro Club on the Friday night attracted a good number of  Exhibitors who were high in their praise of the meal and the chance to get together with other exhibitors and enjoy a meal and a few drinks in a convivial atmosphere.  It is now an annual event.

 

Major sponsor of the Riverina Field Days, the Wine Grapes Marketing Board, had a huge display and were again thrilled with the overall support from the whole region and are looking forward to the fourth year of sponsorship.  (See photos).   The WGMB also held seminars on many and varied subjects over the two days and would welcome interest in 2010 from any exhibitors whether or not they have a stand in their marquee.

 

The Gate Prize competition attracted over 5000 entries with the winner receiving a weekend trip to Melbourne courtesy of AD Tours to the first Rugby League State of Origin game.  Second prize and third prizes of  $300 & $200 vouchers respectively were donated Collier & Miller, Griffith.

 

The Power Farming Inventors’ Competition was again very well patronised with 8 inventions.   Winner was Don Geering from Wangaratta. (See Inventors’ page)

 

Riverina Helicopters provided Joy Flights for the public and also ran a competition for a free Joy Flight.

 

The layout of the Woodside Hall will now be the same as for 2009 but we will be providing even more lighting than we did this year. 

 

Site costs have not been increased since 2005 (at Yanco) and will be kept as the same level.  Many exhibitors have seen a reduction as they are now able to pay for small sites rather than having to pay for an area they don’t use.

 

 Dates for the 2010 Riverina Field Days are May 7 & 8 and any enquiries can be directed to Ffiona Beverley on (02)  6964.8811 or mobile 0428 630 057 or email riverinafielddays@bigpond.com