Fun, sun and just a bit of rivalry at the Royal Hobart Show

IT may have been People’s Day yesterday, but man’s best friends did their best to steal the show.

IT may have been People’s Day yesterday, but man’s best friends did their best to steal the show.

Almost 18,000 patrons took advantage of the fine weather to enjoy a day at the Royal Hobart Show yesterday, with most happy to work their way through the seemingly endless animals, activities and other attractions.

Others came from far and wide to take part in the competitions on offer.

Sisters Heidi, 9, and Elsie Deakin, 11, of Neika, enjoying the show. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Cooper Watts entered his dogs in the show after making the trip from Melbourne with his partner and their four salukis and two Italian greyhounds.

Having made the journey on the Spirit of Tasmania, Mr Watts said he wanted to see his dogs do well.

“[We’re] hoping to win and come back with all these pretty ribbons,” he said.

“I love dogs, I love animals ... I love it and it’s got a bit of a competitive nature.”

It’s not all about winning though for Mr Cooper, who said a desire to give others a chance to get to know his dogs was another motivating factor.

“I love them, and I think that I’ve bred some pretty nice dogs, and why should I just enjoy keeping them at home. I prefer to let the world see them,” he said.

HIGH HOPES: Cooper Watts, of Melbourne, with Piero the Italian greyhound who is one of the dogs he is showing. The dogs behind are, from left, Mia, Mason, Yasmin and Toby. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Mr Cooper’s passion for showing dogs takes him all over the country.

“They’ve been to so many shows now over the last few years that they’re used to [all the people],” he said

“We usually go over to Perth, Tassie, South Australia, and everywhere in Victoria,”
he said.

GALLERIES: CAKES OF THE SHOW – COLOUR AND ACTION AT THE SHOW

Sideshow Alley again proved popular on People’s Day. Picture: OLIVER WARD

Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania chief executive Scott Gadd said it was good to see the people of Hobart get out and support People’s Day.

SHOW ESSENTIALS GATE TIMES: Today: 9am-10pm; Tomorrow: 9am-4pm ENTRY: Family: $50; Adult: $18; Child: $10; Under 5: free PARKING: Corner of Goodwood Rd and Brooker Highway (opposite showground next to fire station). Cost $10. Elwick Racecourse access is off Goodwood Rd. Free parking at Derwent Entertainment Centre. Metro is running a special bus service and there is parking for bicycles. WEATHER: Today: 17C, showers, wind easing; Tomorrow: 12C, shower or two PLENTY OF CHOICES: Animal Nursery, all day; Vintage Cars, all day; Dinosaur Petting Zoo, 12pm; Bodane Hatten — Magician, 30-minute shows, starting 11.30am; Scoot the Stunt Juggler, 30-minute shows, starting 10am; Fireworks display, 9.30pm.

“Today’s gone really well, [there were] strong numbers here and it’s a pretty crowded site,” he said. “I think the weather helps.”

With the fine weather expected to give way to showers for the final two days, Mr Gadd recommended show-goers come prepared.

“[I have] just standard advice for Hobartians heading outdoors, just wear lots of layers so that you can peel them on and peel them off as required,” he said.

It will be a bumper day of fun today, with the opening hours extended to make room for the Friday night extravaganza.

There will be a full day of entertainment topped off by fireworks tonight.

While he doesn’t expect the crowd to rival yesterday’s, Mr Gadd is hoping for more good numbers.

“Friday’s traditionally a bit quieter, especially after we’ve had a big day like today, so I would imagine we’re not going to be up there tomorrow, but if we get around 8000 or 9000 Friday and Saturday that makes for a great year.”

Originally published as Fun, sun and just a bit of rivalry at the Royal Hobart Show