More than 1100 people flocked through the gates of the 130th Candelo Show on Sunday with organisers particularly thrilled by the attendance and near record number of entries.
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Gate numbers were up about 100 on last year.
The show was opened by Australia's ambassador to Russia since March 2016, Peter Tesch, who flew in on leave from -30 degree temperatures in Moscow.
Mr Tesch, who owns a property just outside Candelo, said he was enjoying being back in a community which had such a “terrific sense of self”.
Candelo Agricultural, Horticultural and Dairy Farmers Association entries secretary Sharon Heffernan attributed the success of the show to community effort.
“The show committee works hard but without the support of the Candelo community, particularly all the volunteers, the show wouldn’t happen,” she said.
Kameruka Pavilion steward John Coman said there was an outstanding 1350 entries in the fresh produce, flowers, plants, cooking, needlework, woodwork, photography and art sections.
“It's the highest since 2011,” he said. “For a small country town such as Candelo that's a really good result. One of the highlights for me was to see the number of really excited young kids coming bursting through the doors as the pavilion opened,” he said.
There was an outstanding 84 entrants in the junior art section, he said. The only downside was the lower number of fruit and vegetable entries, a reflection on the dry season.
Pavilion winners included Suzanne Ives for best exhibit roses, Jenny Attwill best exhibit floral art, Julie Banks best exhibit condiments; and, Stephanie Stanhope best exhibit yarn craft.
Poultry steward Nicole Grant was equally delighted with 115 entries this year, almost double the number last year.
Champion bird of show was won by Jade Corby of Cobargo.
“There was a good variety of entries, from serious exhibitors to backyard chook owners,” she said.
Major horse event winners included Tahlia Wells of Young who took out supreme led horse with “Showman” and supreme ridden horse on “Asmin”.
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