One of the headline acts on the region’s events calendar is again looming on the horizon.
Tickets are now on sale for one of the Goulburn Valley's biggest regional events — the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo.
The event will run from Friday, April 1, to Sunday, April 3.
McPherson Media Group event manager Jamie Gilbert said there had been great feedback from exhibitors, attendees and vendors after the 2021 event was held in April for the first time last year.
“For the first 29 years it ran, the event was traditionally held during the third week of February,” he said.
“Last year we trialled running it in April to coincide with school holidays and a cooler time of the year.
“The support for the change of date was very positive, so it’s full steam ahead for an April event again for 2022.”
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm was looking forward to the latest edition of the landmark event.
“We are excited to welcome people back for the 2022 Seymour Alternative Farming Expo,” he said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for our communities, so having the expo return is very exciting.
“The 2021 event was one of the first outdoor events of its scale to return to the Victorian regional event calendar, with 20,000 participants attending during the three days.
“The event is a great way for people to reconnect and it provides a boost for the local and regional economy with many people visiting the expo from right across the state.”
The expo has a long and rich history in the region, showcasing current and future farming practices for small and medium farm enterprises.
The event has also proved to be a popular social day out for couples and families and provides a welcome $6 million injection into the local economy annually.
Mr Gilbert said many familiar faces would be back as well as some new and exciting exhibitors.
The popular learning hub returns, hosting an array of expert presenters talking about topics including:
- drones in agriculture;
- off-grid solar systems and energy independence;
- how microbes can help your farm and garden; and
- training workshops with Paul Macphail from Beloka Kelpies, who will also run working dog demonstrations on the main oval.
Once again there will be classic cars on display, pavilions for arts and crafts and livestock, and for foodies, the country kitchen and butcher shop with cooking and meat preparation demos.
Wood-chopping demos will be held on Saturday with competitions all day Sunday.
Anyone who has ever wanted to try their hand at whip-cracking should head along to watch the best of the best at the state championships on Saturday and then head along to the come-and-try sessions on Sunday.
“We’re pleased to again have the support of the Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Society, who will be running their lecture series, providing presentations full of practical information on general farming and agriculture,” Mr Gilbert said.
“There will also be plenty of activities for families including the kids’ corner, Bunnings’ activity tent and children’s rides.
“It really is three fun-filled and informative days with something for everyone.”
Mr Gilbert said all measures would be taken to run the event in a COVID-19-safe environment and he thanked Mitchell Shire Council, Seymour Football Netball Club and Kings Park committee of management for their ongoing support and co-operation.
More information and tickets are available at seymourexpo.com.au
Seymour Alternative Farming Expo runs from Friday, April 1, to Sunday, April 3, from 9am to 4pm each day at Kings Park Reserve, Tallarook St, Seymour.