A CELEBRATION of 80 years of service to community for the Newdegate and Varley CWA branches, a fun-filled family entertainment program, great food, the latest in new release machinery and excellent exhibitor numbers, all paved the way for this year's 44th annual Newdegate Machinery Field Days.
The organising committee said it was great to see so many visitors through the gates.
This year the event was to be opened by Premier Colin Barnett but he was unable to attend due to unfavourable flying conditions, seeing Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Jim Chown, standing in.
The official proceedings took place at the newly relocated and refurbished railway building.
The committee was pleased to see the site near capacity again, with a big number of new and return exhibitors attending.
There was plenty of machinery and a large number of agricultural supplies to keep the discerning farmer happy. Congratulations to exhibitors who won the Display and Inventors Awards, and also to the winner of the Tractors in Pain photo competition, sponsored by Agriparts and Repairs.
Joining the line-up for this year's entertainment was Ricochet Circus, sponsored by Brookfield Rail, who performed some exciting workshops and circus demonstrations.
Laser Corps was a new addition and proved to be popular with the older children.
The Wildlings provided live music and another popular attraction was Sophie-Jane who performed at the Cavalier Kitchen food area at lunch time.
Nigel Spencer from the Incredible Creatures Animal Nursery was back again this year with his farmyard creatures and to cap-off a full first day, the Newdegate night sky came to life with the Whitfert Fireworks Spectacular.
The Dog Jump Challenge returned and with entrant numbers similar to last year, the crowds continued to roll in, with co-ordinator Alison Spencer happy with the way things went.
The Dyson Jones/Westpac Fashion Parades indulged in a foray of the latest fashion trends.
With new spring collections from boutiques at the field days, and a collection from the national design competition - The Australian Wool Fashion Awards, it was great for patrons to be inspired by the very latest in wool design from young designers of the future.
There was fashion for everyone and every occasion, including a return of swimwear to the catwalk this year, from Daneechi, of Subiaco.
Organisers thanked Quality Suites Banksia Gardens Albany, which sponsored a getaway voucher giveaway at every parade.
The committee is now looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the 45th Annual Newdegate Machinery Field Days in 2017.
