Show was all the go

By Bridget Cook
DESPITE the weekend’s wet weather, many families turned out to enjoy all that was on offer at the 139th Dandenong Show.
Douglas Spencer-Roy, representing EastLink, officially opened the show on Saturday following a demonstration from City of Greater Dandenong Town Crier Colin Robinson and a group from the Australasian Town Criers.
Despite the EastLink Grand Parade and main arena activities scheduled after 3pm being cancelled for safety reasons, record entries wowed crowds in the showjumping ring.
Neighbours fans young and old took the opportunity to meet star Matthew Werkmeister, who plays Zeke Kinski in the hit television series, as he judged the Chamber of Commerce Schools Talent Quest. Khenji Ang from St John’s Regional College won the competition, performing a solo dance act.
The Rotary Club of Dandenong Battle of the Bands competition kept the crowd rocking until the gates closed on Saturday night.
The Dandenong Show Personality competition winners were Jerga Desan in the 4-6 category, Patrick Anderson in 7-9, Rhys Lawrence in 10-12 and Danielle from Dandenong in the 13-16. The Winner of the Baby Second Heaven Baby show’s Most Beautiful Baby was Riley Amott.
The horse, cattle and sheep entries entries provided a fantastic agricultural display while the exhibition building proved a popular haven for art and craft, cookery and horticulture enthusiasts. Gleneagles Secondary College was again awarded the JP Shinners Champion School Trophy.
Audiences marvelled at the high flying feats inside Eroni’s Circus Big Top, while crowd favourites Funtime Puppet Theatre, Wacca and Doug, Highland Dancers, Scouts Display and the Dandenong Club Animal Nursery returned to provide family fun and entertainment.
Entrants from across Australia travelled to take part in the 2010 National Flyball Championships, hosted by the Berwick Dog Club at the show.
Show president Tom Myors thanked all committee members, volunteers and exhibitors for their contribution to the staging of the show, and extended his appreciation to all of the sponsors for their valued support.