Family tradition lives on

Katie McIntyre with Junior Champion Bull at the Dandenong Show 'Hazel Downs Merlin' from the 'Horizon Hill Charolais' Stud. 161400 Pictures: ROB CAREW

By Narelle Coulter

Even after 145 years, the Dandenong Show still delights and excites.
The weekend’s two-day show brought Greaves Reserve to life with show jumping, carnival rides, trade stands and competition sheds full of baking, craft, sheep, goats and chickens.
Show president Sue Glenn said the event was a family institution that could be enjoyed by all generations.
“It brings the community together,” Ms Glenn said.
“It provides an opportunity for city children to touch and feel animals. Country shows are still affordable and easy to get to. People meet and catch up at their local show.”
Ms Glenn’s thoughts were echoed by the Holt family from Mulgrave.
Annick and Allan Holt and their two daughters enjoyed a day out at the show on Saturday.
“It’s close by and convenient,” said Annick.
“We like the fireworks and the kids like the rides.”
“And it gets the girls out of the house,“ added Allan.
In the craft pavilion, volunteers from the Dandenong Historical Society were selling copies of the 1971 Dandenong Journal which commemorated the show’s 100th anniversary.