General News
19 October, 2024
Jeparit jam-packed Show is all go
The Jeparit Agricultural and Pastoral Society is excited for the annual Jeparit Show on Sunday October 20, and the new committee is hoping to see larger gate numbers than ever, stating events like this can’t go on without community involvement.
Those attending this year’s Jeparit show will have a chance to witness something new to the region - jousting.
Inviting professional jousters Marisma Equine Entertainment to the local show was the brainchild of Show committee member Gayle Newcombe, who had seen the activity performed elsewhere and thought it the perfect draw to revive the local show.
"You have to have something that no-one in the area has seen, especially when you are attempting to revive something," Ms Newcombe said.
But even she admitted to being unsure how it would be received when she first pitched the idea at a committee meeting, but was pleasantly surprised when the idea received the full support of everyone there.
"Everyone went quiet for a couple of seconds," Mrs Newcombe.
"It's something completely different, and otherwise, it's a few hours drive to Ballarat to see it.
"Jousting alone is cool to watch, and we are really hoping it brings attendees through the gates."
The committee have been busy up until recently planning where to fit the addition to this year's show.
"We have had a few people report back that everyone is talking about the jousting, so that's always good news for our small-town show," Ms Newcombe said.
"We also have the horses returning, and I don't think they have been there since a couple of years before Covid, so we are hoping that will help bring people to our little town.
"We are really trying to keep the show going - we don't want it to close."
There's a jam-packed schedule already out, with something for everyone.
From activities and entertainment for children, to competitions both quirky and traditional for adults, the event focuses on being a celebration of community spirit, activities, craft, entertainment, food and livestock.
There will be a Car Boot Sale from 9am to 1pm and a car show from 10am to 3pm for all the revheads, a puppet show at various times of the day for the little ones, and the show bag truck will be open from 10am to 4.30pm.
Take advantage of the opportunity to get a health check between 10am and 4.30pm, join in the Thong'a'Thon at 1.45pm, whip cracking at 2pm, and dance the night away with live music from 4.30pm.
The Ladies Pavilion will be open from 1pm to 5pm, so be sure to check out the winning exhibits
"Being a committee that is new, we are feeling a bit lost still, but we think we have everything organised," Ms Newcombe said.
Ms Newcombe is hoping a successful year will mean a better and bigger show next year, with more funds available for even more attractions.
"There isn't much to do in the community, this small town, so we figure if we can make a day for people to come, from all over," Ms Newcombe said.
"We don't just want the community of Jeparit, but Rainbow, Nhill, Horsham - anyone in the 150 kilometre radius - we would love for them to come and help us revive our show.
"And we would like to do the same - we'll be going to other shows to get their gates up."
Jousting - the military use of lances by cavalry - began in European medieval war times.
The aim of jousting was to strike the opponent with the lance in a specific spot, usually the helmet or shield, with enough force to knock the opponent from their horse.
It was transformed into a sport during the Late Middle Ages, and remained popular in England and Germany through the 16th century.
Even as a sport, many jousters were seriously injured or killed, and in the 17th century, jousting was discontinued in favour of other equestrian sports.
Cliff Marisma, and his wife, Australian Jousting Champion Renae Marisma, will be demonstrating the art of jousting at two showings on Sunday.
Mrs Marisma was crowned the national champion, claiming the first Australian Jousting Championship at Kryal Castle earlier this year.
She was one of eight participants to compete in the event, which is open to entrants by invitation only.
The jousting is scheduled to run from 1pm to 1.45pm, and 4pm to 4.45pm.
Entry to the Jeparit Show includes the jousting demonstrations, and costs $15 for adults, while Under-18s are free.