CROWDS arrived at the Mansfield Show a little bit earlier than usual on Saturday to enjoy all of the activities on offer before the sunny and sweltering conditions settled in.

Mansfield Agricultural and Pastural Society president Amanda Swaney said the day was a huge success with similar numbers to last year.

“We had a very good lineup of food providers,” she said.

Throughout the day, there were fifteen events with just some including the annual floriculture competition, horse events, sheep and pet lambs, poultry, small dog events, kids races, cattle handling, the Stockman’s challenge and dog high jump where the winning dog Benji the kelpie cleared 2.54 metres.

In the floriculture section Dick Leatham took out champion rose entitled ‘Tequila Sunrise’ receiving the trophy donated by the Parks Family and Sonia Lewis won the most successful floriculture exhibit.

There were some new events this year including the balloon twister, outback stockman Lachie Cossor entertained, and a number of children took part in the new hobby horse races.

In the Scout Hall there was spectacular student writing entries and a school based art display.

“The space enabled the display of art and writing to be very easily seen and read,” Amanda said.

“The judge said they were amazed at the quality of the work.

“And the animal nursery was fantastic, because for many children they don’t get the chance to get up and pat or hold a variety of animals.

“I think that’s really important because some children would have never touched a goat, lamb or a puppy and they were just having a wonderful time.”

Rod Manning from Davilak Pastural ran three working dog demonstrations with his three dogs Blackie, Dottie and Tig.

“All of the dogs are part of the farm enterprise and they are so important in our day to day work,” Rod said.

In the poultry section there were 30 entries with slightly lower numbers than usual due to unforeseen circumstances.

First prize was taken out by the white pekin bantam and the reserve was the blue gull brahma female with partridge lacing.

George Ferguson from Bacchus Marsh has judged the poultry section for around 10 years.

“The white pekin had really good feathers for this time of year and was an outstanding bird.

“The only thing letting the reserve down was a few broken feathers.”

Amanda Swaney thanked the committee members, volunteers, judges, stewards and community members who contributed to the Mansfield Show by entering competitions and coming along on the day.