Record crowd at Gidgegannup

The ninth Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day was successful with a record number of visitors coming through the gate to see a wide array of small farm exhibits including educational displays and the latest in small farm machinery and livestock.

Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day co-ordinator Sally Block said she estimated almost 7000 people attended the event this year which was up considerably on previous years.

“The weather was amazing and it was a really good day,” she said.

“The Small Landholders Marquee with Mathew Lunn had a huge number of visitors come through with people wanting to know more about managing their land to be sustainable.

“The Slow Food Movement volunteers were also run off their feet all day cooking up ‘Disco-Soup’ which is made from left over food; both the cooking demonstrations and tasting of different soups created was very popular.”

The event attracted both city families and small block owners wanting to learn more about developing a rewarding country lifestyle.

Not only were there a great amount of educational displays but also quick-paced entertainment in the main arena with local pony clubs competing in the WA Mounted Games which ran all day.

For the first time this year a display of reptiles was also a huge hit with many people getting up close and personal with pythons and lizards.

Mrs Block said the Bendigo Bank ran this year’s Discovery Trail for attending children which had a great response and children also enjoyed the variety of rides available and opportunities to interact with animals in the different livestock areas.

She said the number and quality of small farm machinery exhibits was also higher than in previous years and was well-supported by visitors.

Mrs Block said the alpaca display also had its biggest year yet with the feedback from exhibitors being that there was a lot of interest from prospective owners.

“Our food and wine exhibit was again packed out this year with visitors showing their support for local produce,” she said.

Mrs Block said the event was only possible thanks to the Gidgegannup Committee who outdid themselves putting in a high number of volunteer hours to provide such a successful event.