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THE 4TH RIVERINA FIELD DAYS—WRAP |
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The 4th 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 fourth year, the weather conditions were sensational and the crowds came in their thousands with gate takings being almost the same as for the previous three events —equating to approx. 10,000 people.
Exhibitor numbers showed an increase of 50 over 2009 and the centre of the main arena was full. There are still some vacancies for smaller exhibitors on the sites on the inside perimeter with other areas still able to be used for other larger exhibitors and those who require power.
I think we are finally getting the message that the public are able to park within the precincts of the Showgrounds and many used this although there is still plenty of space available and we are looking to try and encourage more use this area.
Praise continues to flow from both exhibitors and the public alike for the facilities provided.
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’ Meet & Greet was unfortunately poorly attended but this could be put down to the fact that the start time was not until 6 pm whereas the event closed at 5 pm. 2011 will see the event start at 5 pm and we are hopeful that more Exhibitors will attend. The Exhibitors’ Dinner will again be held at the Coro Club on the Friday night following the “Meet and Greet”.
Major sponsor of the Riverina Field Days, the Wine Grapes Marketing Board, had a huge display and some well attended seminars throughout the two days and have renewed their sponsorship for a further two years..
The Gate Prize competition attracted over 5000 entries with the winner receiving a weekend trip to Sydney 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. Winners were Greg McCarten & Leon Boneham from Griffith . (See Inventors’ page)
Riverina Helicopters provided Joy Flights for the public and also ran a competition for a free Joy Flight.
The Woodside Hall was full with the overflow being accommodated in the Davidge Pavilion. We have some interesting plans for 2011.
Site costs have not been increased since 2005 (at Yanco) and unfortunately in 2011 we will have to make some small increases as our expenses have increased markedly over the past 4 years, particularly as regards to security and power.
Dates for the 2012 Riverina Field Days are May 11 & 12 and any enquiries can be directed to Ffiona Beverley on (02) 6964.8811 or mobile 0428 630 057 or email riverinafielddays@bigpond.com
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