Port Fairy Agricultural Show
In Australia and I guess in most parts of the world the small Country Fair or the Agricultural show lives on. In Port Fairy the local Agricultural Show is well attended by people from the district. The exhibitions range from cakes and pies, needlework, horses, cattle , photography, etc! Whilst these small shows can not compete against the Melbourne or Sydney Shows, they provide an opportunity for locals to show their wares, animals and skills. It is a fun affair and everyone knows everyone (well, not quite, .... but one hears things like " Ah , that cake is made by young Maddie ----- , You know the daughter of ----- ). The proceeds of the entry fees usually go to the local fire brigade , other emergency service or other local organisations ! The equestrian competitors especially, (usually girls in their teens) travel from far and quite often sleep in the horse trailers with their horse and somehow manage to compete in exquisite garb and spotlessly manicured horses. The cattle exhibitors may also sleep in the animal pens with their charges. 
Shearing the hard way. The clippers are spring loaded blades and worked by squeezing the fist.
Showing the difference between shorn and woolly sheep
This is Shorn and Shawn
No show is without the chainsaw sculptor these days. This is hard work in the sun!
Dressage, There were horses everywhere and the contestants come from miles away. They will sleep with their horses in the trailers and somehow be dressed to the nines for the judges
Of course there is a fun section for the Kiddies and Kids
One of the more popular attractions was the rock climbing wall for the kids
This lady is enjoying a Timboon ice cream. Timboon icecream is famous in South West Victoria.
For some reading the paper with the kids was just another way to do it easy on a perfect afternoon
In every Country show there is a produce section. I like these pumpkins for their texture and colour
For the children there are the vegetable sculptures. I liked the work and especially the light that came through a small window. Everyone gets a prize!!
For the gardeners there is a flower section. It is held in a "whited" old shed and the light is lovely.
I tried to get the light coming through the petals. The photo can not do justice to the real light shining through the petals
After the judging it is back to the pens for some rest.The exhibiters may sleep in the pens and after judging milk the cows with portable machines. This cow was a winner. Look at her udders. She was leaking all the time she was being judged. Milk Anyone??
And after all the hard work it is time for a nap!
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