Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition
Twilight addition to evolving event P
“We’re hoping this dedicated effort to open the event into the twilight hours and support the community that has for so long supported us, will give as many people as possible an opportunity to experience what the event is all about”
BY DEAN LAWSON
roviding greater connectivity between everyday people, rural culture and the region’s largest agriculture-based events is behind a major revamp of Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
The Field Days at Longerenong next week will include a new Twilight Tuesday, with gates opening at 9.30am and closing at 7pm. The shift is a national first for agricultural field days and critically, from 3pm on, Twilight Tuesday patrons can attend the event free of charge. Field days manager Murray Wilson said the change was an exciting development and came on the back of extensive survey results. “It’s been something we’ve been thinking about – how can we give everyone the best possible chance to attend the field days? – and we had overwhelming support to trial the concept,” he said. Mr Wilson said the decision to create a free-of-charge twilight element for the iconic three-day event was to encourage people who might otherwise have little opportunity to attend. “We want to provide everyone with the best opportunity to attend regardless of changing social circumstances and work and family commitments,” he said.
or re-establish a connection with the field days. “If you have never seen half-million-dollar machinery up close, this is the chance,” he said. “Many dealers will even allow people to get up in cockpits – some of which are like jumbo jets – to get an idea of technology involved in farming in the 21st century,” he said. Mr Wilson was quick to add that the Twilight Ag Expo was only part of a big three days of exhibitions and displays. “Many exhibitors have shifted or freshened up their sites, some putting on major showcases to provide patrons with unique insights into their products. But others have gone the opposite way,” Mr Wilson said. “What we’re also finding this year is that a demand for indoor sites is very strong. “The key agribusiness pavilion filled very quickly, triggering a need for an additional marquee to meet the needs of exhibitors wanting indoor space. “This in turn has allowed other dealer areas to expand and this has worked in with our annual plan to always change the layout of outdoor sites to showcase something different every year. “A clear message is that companies are putting more effort into engaging people. “Exhibitor numbers are very strong. We always have a turnover of smaller companies and this year we have 40 new exhibitors on site. “We expect the close to 1000 sites available at Wimmera Events Centre will be occupied by day one of the Field Days.”
FAMILY TIME: Wimmera Machinery Field Days vice-president Sam Eagle and wife Emily are looking forward to taking their children Penny, 6, and Henry, 3, to Tuesday’s twilight event. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER “We said it last year when we announced the change – we live in busy times and it is no longer the case that a family can simply take a whole day off to attend the Field Days. “In some cases many people simply
have not been able to attend the Field Days at all. “We’re hoping this dedicated effort to open the event into the twilight hours and support the community that has for so long supported us, will give
OPTIONS: Jack Hynes cooks a pizza at last year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Organisers are encouraging families to head along to twilight festivities on Tuesday and make the most of live entertainment, gourmet food and outdoor dining opportunities. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
– Murray Wilson
as many people as possible an opportunity to experience what the event is all about.” Mr Wilson said after he announced the twilight plans last year, the field days committee had explored the development’s potential. “It has revealed significant opportunities to steer the event in new and exciting directions,” he said. “From 3pm Tuesday, people will be able to experience and celebrate a showcase free of charge. “There will be live music and entertainment, gourmet food and outdoor dining and we encourage people to come out for tea with family and friends. “In supporting this exciting new format the committee will host special attractions. “Features of the Twilight Ag Expo will be the Team D Max Iron Summit, with the world’s steepest four-wheeldrive ramp and Factory FMX Motocross stunt riders jumping over CASE tractors. “Prickly Moses Mobile Brewery and Seppelt Wine Bar will be on site, there will be helicopter rides, shearing demonstrations and heaps of attractions for kids and families.” Mr Wilson said the evening provided an opportunity for people to establish
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