THE Castlemaine Show is off to a stellar start with more than 2000 people pouring through the gates on Friday night.
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They were treated to a busy schedule of attractions ranging from wood chopping, art and craft competitions and animal and horticultural displays to show bags and side-show and the popular fireworks.
Patrons will get another chance to indulge their show passion today with the showgrounds open until 3pm.
Castlemaine residents are undeniably proud of their show – and with good reason.
The event is now in its 159th year and one of a handful of shows that seems to be bucking the trend of dwindling attendances.
Show secretary Debbie Hamilton said the Castlemaine and District Agricultural Society is among seven Victorian show societies to have operated the longest.
“There’s us and Geelong and five others I am not sure about,” she said.
“We are older than Bendigo and Ballarat and even Melbourne.”
“We have a great community and we’ve got good volunteers which helps enormously.”
This year’s show opening coincided with Halloween, leading to a high number of people clad in ghoulish outfits and face paint, adding to an already festive atmosphere.
Cathy Boerema, a former Melbourne resident who moved to Castlemaine about two and a half years ago, said it was an event not to be missed.
“It is the highlight of Castlemaine – it’s the biggest night for children – bigger than Christmas,” Ms Boerema
“The temperature is usually pretty great and it means a lot to the kids.
“There’s competitions where people enter their jams and flowers and dressmaking and there’s wood chopping and the kids love the show rides.”
Dwight Kirley, 15, of Metcalfe, came to the show with his brothers Phillip and Mitchell to compete in the wood chopping.
He was hoping to emulate his winning exploits from Bendigo last week.
He said he was glad the sport had been included on the program.