By Shelby Brooks
The district is preparing to return to its traditional agricultural roots when the 2022 Parklea Pakenham Show goes ahead in March.
After a cancelled show in 2020 and a ’through the windows’ display in 2021, organisers of the 111th Parklea Pakenham Agricultural and Horticultural Show Society are thrilled to be returning to a full in person show this year.
President Geoff Young said the 2020 show was cancelled only a week beforehand.
“That left the committee, exhibitors and sponsors devastated but we realised this was life now dealing with Covid-19,” he said.
“Last year we looked outside the box and were still able to run the majority of our pavilion section – mainly our VAS section through the windows of an empty shop in Pakenham Place Shopping Centre. With a dedicated team we finished with an amazing display thanks to the strong support from our community.
“Our strong horse component of the show continued as well. After being postponed a couple of times because of restrictions, it ended with an overwhelming success at the Werribee Equestrian Centre.“
Subject to Covid-19 restrictions, the 2022 show will go ahead with free gate entry.
“We are staying strong and very positive this year,“ Mr Young said.
“The show is already set and ready to go on Saturday 19 March at the PB Ronald Reserve, bigger and better with all our usual competitions, animals and free entertainment; bringing together our agricultural, horticultural and multicultural communities.“
The Living Learning Centre, Casey-Cardinia Library and Cardinia District Scouts will play a huge part in this year’s show with the theme Roaring ’20s.
“With the enthusiastic committee who have been working on this show in the background for the last six months we will strive to keep positive and, depending on the restrictions closer to the show day, we may hold a show that may look different but we will endeavour to keep moving forward in whatever capacity possible,“ Geoff said.
Contact pakenhamshow1@bigpond.com for more information.
