The Rochester Agricultural Show is set to take place on February 27 and 28, offering a mix of traditional agricultural displays and new attractions. Saturday will focus on agricultural displays, including horse shows, cattle shows and new attractions such as a virtual harvester simulator and circus performer.
Photo by
Jordan Townrow
The Rochester Agricultural Show will return for its annual celebration on February 27 and 28, featuring a mix of traditional agricultural displays and exciting new attractions.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Rochester A & P Association Inc. secretary Maxine Weigand said the event would offer something for everyone.
“We have everything happening again this year, as always,” she said.
“On Friday night on the oval, we are going to have laser tag. We are a bit excited about that.
“The company is coming up from Tasmania and they have been running for 25-odd years and they approached us and we thought, that is something different to have on Friday night.
“If you look to the skies on Friday night, there will be a dazzling display of so much more, including the Friday night fireworks.”
Friday's program will also include the Palmer Agricon 2026 All Breeds Beef Heifer Cattle Spectacular and various children's activities.
A dog show will run during the day, on Friday, with free entry, finishing before the main gates open for the evening program.
“There are the usual kids' activities on the oval with prizes as well,” Mrs Weigand said.
“We are hoping to have a show ’n’ shine on Friday night, as well as the usual carnival rides and sideshow attractions.
“Stay tuned to our Facebook page to see all that is happening.”
Saturday is all about the animals and will focus on agricultural displays with free entry.
There will be the horse show, the cattle show, dairy and beef, goats, poultry and working dogs.
New attractions include a virtual harvester simulator and circus performer.
“We are going to have a virtual harvester simulator. It has been at the Melbourne Royal Show and it has travelled around quite a few shows,” Mrs Weigand said.
“You have to be in there for about two minutes, so it makes you feel like you are actually out on a farm during a harvest.
“This year on the main oval there are kids’ activities, we are having a circus performer who is going to teach the kids some tricks.”
Additional Saturday activities include free camel rides, a petting zoo, wildlife warriors and sensory games.
Both days will feature a food court with at least 10 food trucks at various price points, including a Lions Club barbecue.
The home craft pavilion will run a full schedule, which you can find on the Rochester Show website and social media if you would like to enter any wares.
There are also hard copies of the homecraft schedule available at stores such as Parsons if anyone needs a printed version.
Both days will have activities such as camel rides, petting zoo, wildlife warriors and sensory games, along with a food court with diverse options.
Photo by
Jordan Townrow
The event will provide entertainment for all ages, showcasing the agricultural industry and offering opportunities to participate in competitions and activities.
Photo by
Jordan Townrow
“Friday night is all about family fun, with all the bangs, sparkles and bright colours, and then you can come back on Saturday and get a real appreciation of the agricultural industry,” Mrs Weigand said.
Friday gates open at 5pm until fireworks finish, while Saturday runs from 9am to 3pm.
You can find the Rochester Agriculture Show competition schedule at rochestershow.com.au