IT IS no secret that many country shows across Australia have been struggling to survive since the turn of the century.
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Declining attendances, a paucity of volunteers and a lack of relevance among younger people have all been blamed for their decline.
But there is one country show in central Victoria bucking the trend and striking a balance between respecting tradition while introducing new attractions.
The 156th Kyneton Show, which kicked off today and continues tomorrow, will still feature show staples such as rides, scones, cakes, jams, chutneys, needlework, flowers and animals.
However, this year will also mark the debut of parkour, a French discipline involving running, jumping, rolling, swinging and climbing over obstacles.
Kyneton Agricultural Society secretary Josephine Rutledge said the addition of parkour at an agricultural show could be a world-first.
A 40-metre long obstacle course constructed from hay bales and other agricultural materials will allow local exponents of the discipline the chance to showcase their skills.
“Most of the committee, including myself, didn’t know what parkour was three months ago, but someone told someone that parkour is the latest craze and we like to be up with the latest,” she said.
“While we love tradition and heritage, we are trying to make sure the Kyneton Show is relevant to today and to the issues of today.”
The show’s modernisation does not stop there, with some traditional competitions having been scrapped in favour of more inclusive events.
“This year we have turned the Miss Showgirl and Tiny Tots competition upside down and replaced it with a Superhero challenge as a playful show of strength against domestic violence in support of White Ribbon Day,” Ms Rutledge said.
“The Miss Showgirl competition reflected the values of the times – an era when little girls used to get dressed up to go to the show and wore dresses all the time.
“Whether you are a football club, the ag society, (or) the bowling club – domestic violence is everybody’s business.
“We are hoping it will show others that it’s an issue for everybody to support, but still be able to do that in a fun way.”
The Kyneton carnival kicks off on Friday at 5.30pm The show starts at 9am on Saturday and runs until 4pm.
Visit www.kynetonshow.org.au for more information.
