Agfest 2019: More than 700 exhibitors on site

TASMANIA’S biggest rural event, Agfest, is back for its 37th year from May 2-4 at Carrick, south of Devonport.

Big deal: Will Craigie takes in the view at Agfest where more than 65,000 visitors are expected this year. Picture: Chris Kidd

TASMANIA’S biggest rural event, Agfest, is back for its 37th year from May 2-4 at Carrick, south of Devonport.

Agfest is a huge economic driver for the region, generating about $27 million fevery year.

All up 65,794 people visited Agfest last year and organisers are hoping for a similar crowd this time around.

Members of the volunteer committee have been working hard at the Quercus Rural Youth Park over the past few weeks in readiness.

After last year’s near-record breaking Saturday attendance of more than 30,000, Agfest organisers say dealing with the increased traffic is one of the challenges they are tackling in this year’s event.

This is Agfest chairman Owen Woolley’s second year heading up the event.

“From the crowd on Saturday last year we’ve had to scratch our head and do a bit of thinking about how to deal with the influx of traffic,” he said.

“We were about 200 off getting the largest ever crowd for a Saturday.”

More than 700 exhibitors will again showcase their wares and as usual there will be something for everyone.

Agfest is organised and managed by Rural Youth Tasmania, a non-profit organisation whose members are between 15 and 30 years of age. The volunteer committee includes about 60 Rural Youth members.

The committee has been working hard on improvements, including fence rebuilds, a 4WD revamp, site line marking and a refreshed equine arena.

New this year will be a Food Truck Park, along with the Scouts Tasmania Climbing Tower.

Junior competitors will also take part in the livestock handling competition, which is back again after last year's highly successful inaugural event.

For the craft and fashion enthusiasts there will be more than 150 craft exhibitors spread across the five large craft sheds, as well as the annual Ag Artwear Competition.

Adventure seekers will also have plenty to see with the MAST Boat Show, 4WD Track and the Royal Australian Air Force Hot Air Balloon.

For younger visitors there will be the Kids Ag Awareness Program. Foodies will be catered for with the Discovery Dairy Expo and the Betta Milk Unique Tastes Food & Wine Pavilion. Farmers will enjoy the Beef Expo, Working Sheep Dog Trials and the heritage display.

TICKETS

WHERE: Quercus Park, 415 Oaks Road, Carrick

OPENING TIMES: 8am until 5pm daily

EARLY BIRD

Adults: $20

Seniors/Age pension: $15

Children 5-17 years: $5

Children under 5: Free

Family (2 adults, 3 children): $50 (presale only)

Three-day pass: $50 (presale only)

GATE ENTRY

Adults: $25

Seniors/Age pension: $20

Children 5-17 years: $5

Children under 5: Free

For presale tickets, visit agfest.com.au/entry-fee