Burnie Show breaks tradition and records on first day at a new site

After 100 years at Wivenhoe, the Burnie Show moved to a new greenfield site at Romaine — and it proved to be a winner.

Jordan Perkins and Tim Cresswell prepare for the tractor pull at the Burnie Show. PICTURE: CHRIS KIDD

A MAJOR revamp has paid off for Burnie Show organisers after a bumper crowd turned out for opening day.

After 100 years at Wivenhoe, the show has moved to a new greenfield site at Romaine.

Organisers are hoping for about 20,000 people over the two days — almost triple last year’s attendance.

Burnie Show president Carol Jackson said she was absolutely thrilled with the number of people who turned out yesterday.

“It’s fabulous, absolutely fabulous,” she said.

“We don’t have official numbers yet, but it would have to have been a record.”

For the Geard family, the four-hour drive from Broadmarsh proved worthwhile when they picked up the Champion Holstein award with a cow from their Green Glory Stud.

Ben Geard said they enjoyed competing at Burnie and it was good to see so many people heading along.

“It looks like the public are supporting it, which is good, because the committee are all volunteers and they’ve done a good job to set it all up,” he said.

Mr Geard’s three children, Isobel, 11, Leila, 10 and Spencer, 3, are also competing at the show.

“It’s sometimes hard to find things for them to do on the farm, but once show season rolls around they love breaking in the calves,” he said.

The show continues today with gates open between 9am-5pm. Entry costs $15 for adults, $5 for concession card holders and children aged 6-16.

Originally published as Burnie Show breaks tradition and records on first day at a new site