Agfest Tasmania: Bumper crowds lap up rural life

AGFEST is a showcase for all things rural and once again Brian Fish and his bullock team had a chance to shine at the field days, which attracted a total crowd of more than 60,000.

Proven pulling power: Agfest is a showcase for all things rural and once again Brian Fish and his bullock team had a chance to shine at the field days, which attracted a total crowd of more than 60,000.

AGFEST keeps going from strength to strength, once again recording one of the biggest crowds in the history of the event.

The field days wrapped up last Saturday with 30,000 patrons coming through the gates on the day, making it the most successful final day since 2005.

This year’s crowd total over three days was 65,794, an increase of 3007 on last year.

Agfest chairman Owen Woolley said he was extremely pleased to see Agfest continue to deliver in its 26th year.

This year there were more than 700 exhibitors.

“The crowd made it the second busiest Saturday and the third busiest day ever,” Mr Woolley said.

“I am proud of the dedicated and committed volunteers from Rural Youth Tasmania and supporting organisations, without them Agfest wouldn’t be possible.”

Agfest Tasmania 2018

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On the Thursday 17,313 patrons made their way to Quercus Park in Carrick while Friday’s figure was 18,682 and Saturday’s 29,799.

“We couldn’t be happier with the success of the event this year, it is quite a milestone,” Mr Woolley said.

“Agfest is a world-class event that injects more than $27 million dollars into the local and state economy.”

Mr Woolley said the showcase of all things rural was one of the state’s largest drawcards with attractions for all.

Agfest is entirely run by volunteers from Rural Youth aged from 15 to 30 years.

The winner for best small site was Aussie Fire Buckets while best large site was Hanson Products; best machinery display went to William Adams; Rabobank won most accessible site; best business and lifestyle exhibit was WFI; best equine expo exhibit TasRacing’s Off the Track; best Unique Taste exhibit was Red Brick Road Cider and best craft exhibit Aunty Mel’s Artisan.