Bendigo Show organisers have scored a local coup, securing a one-night-only demonstration of Australia’s military might for the event’s opening night.
The Australian army will give the Bendigo public a rare glimpse at its operational capacity at this month’s Bendigo Agricultural Show.
Show Secretary Ian Furze said it should be a real show-stopper.
“One of the new attractions … on the arena is maneuvers by the Australian Defence Force on the Friday evening,” he said.
“The army is going to come through and give us a demonstration of their capabilities.
With just three weeks to go before the 2024 Show opens to the public, Mr Furze said final preparations are now underway.
“We’re just making sure that the people we think we’ve got lined up, are actually lined up.” he laughed.
“We’ve got some great attractions this year including the Monster Truck, which will bring a few side acts as well this year.
“We’ll also have our fireworks, which is one of the features of our show – the best fireworks in Bendigo, of course!”
Organisers are expecting up to 20,000 people to flock through the gates over the two days at the end of October.
“We’ll be open 9am to 9pm both days, which gives us a lot of time to filter everybody through so they can have a good look at all the attractions,” said Mr Furze.
The Bendigo Show is one of the city’s biggest annual events and is a crucial part of the region’s tourist economy.
But Ian Furze says that’s not what really drives him.
“Our focus is really making sure that the connection between town and country is maintained, and that as many people as possible get the opportunity to find out where their foods come from, where their clothing comes from, and the opportunity to experience that little bit of rural life that they may not be able to otherwise.”
The Bendigo Show runs over October 25 and 26 at the showgrounds in Holmes Road, North Bendigo.
