General News
11 May, 2024
Volunteers save show
Jeparit is breathing a huge sigh of relief after the town's annual show was saved at the last minute.
Jeparit is breathing a huge sigh of relief after the town's annual show was saved at the last minute.
Show committee members met last Tuesday, warning that unless they could find more members, the 2024 show might not go ahead.
The town has already been rocked by the cancellation of this year's Pioneer Museum Vintage Rally, and losing the biggest event of the year would have been disastrous.
Jeparit A&P Society has moved into a new office and now has a committee of 12 members - enough to allow the show to go ahead.
Newcomer Bec Schultz had never been on the committee before but said she couldn't face not having a show this year so she stepped into the demanding role of president.
Ms Schultz said community members didn't want to see the show abandoned.
"It would've gone into recession and we would've done it next year," she said.
The Jeparit Show is now in its 126th year.
Held annually on the third Sunday in October, it has over time it has grown to become one of the biggest events in town.
During the Covid period, the show was cancelled due to ongoing restrictions on community events, as a result celebrating its 125th birthday only last year.
Former committee president Yolande Hutson said last year she was really hoping the local community would support the show and turn up for a day out.
"This was my 11th year as president and it was very rewarding to have so many wonderful comments about the day," Ms Hutson said.
Ms Schultz said last year's show had a great turnout, coinciding with the Back to Jeparit, which boosted numbers.
Horses and carriage rides, Jamie and Kim's mobile zoo, Parker's mini circus and more have been seen at the Jeparit Show alongside various competitions.
The poultry pavilion received more than 90 entries last year.
Ms Schultz said the committee was trying to find new avenues to explore that would grow the show further.
"We have great community-minded people on the committee," she said.
"We're working families so it makes it a little more difficult, so we want to lighten the load and get more people involved."
Ms Schultz said there was a shortage of judges for competitions so she hoped community members could become skilled up to help with the judging.
A show meeting discussing plans and the delegation of roles will be held on May 15 at 7.30pm at the Jeparit Football Pavilion.
"Everyone is welcome to attend with any ideas - we look forward to seeing you there," Ms Schultz said.
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