The 112th Orbost Agricultural Show was a spectacular success on Monday, with a COVID-safe record crowd filling the Newmerella Recreation Reserve.
Despite some changes to the schedule with some horse events not going ahead, a number of new stall holders and the Landcare Sustainability Expo proved winners with the punters.
For the second year running, gate entry was covered thanks to a generous donation from Connect Well Wellington and East Gippsland and the Orbost and District Community Recovery and Transition Committee, which show president, Paul Lavell, said makes for a more family friendly event.
“It makes it a lot easier for people to bring their kids along knowing they don’t have to pay to get through the gate as well as taking them on rides, buying food, etc,” Mr Lavell said.
“It was a really good day, the environment, the atmosphere was quite comfortable.
“We were well catered for with stall holders and the Landcare expo was a massive drawcard. It’s always hard to get stall holders to travel as far as Orbost, but we had a great range this year.
“The pavilion is always outstanding. The crafts, photos, veggies and flowers were a highlight again.”
Mr Lavell said dealing with COVID restrictions was a breeze thanks to support from Garry Squires, who played a key role in the organisation and implementation of a COVID-safe of the Orbost Christmas Eve Festival.
Mr Lavell also praised Orbost Secondary College for its job manning the gate and registering patrons.

IMAGE: Locals Lily (4) and Will (7) Griebenow won prizes in the sideshow alley by throwing balls into the clowns at the Orbost Agricultural Show at Newmerella Recreation Reserve on Monday. More photos pages 4 and 5. K66-1780