The Wandin Silvan Field Days kicked off on Friday 17 October to sunny skies for another successful year of all things agriculture, horticulture and farming machinery.
In its 56th year, the iconic farming festival hosted many local businesses and provided plenty of entertainment.
Wandin Silvan Field Days committee president Brad Finger said there was something for everyone at the historical event.
“I think we’ve changed it a bit, traditionally it always has been farming and horticulture… but it’s a big family day too, so we’ve got to give them something as well.
“But at the same time you get people coming from downtown and they get to see tractors and machinery so it’s educational too,” Mr Finger said.
It’s Mr Finger’s fourth year organising the event and he said a lot of preparation goes into it.
“A lot of work went into the organisation of the event, it’s all volunteers, a lot of work goes in behind the scenes.”
There were a wide array of exhibitors this year, ranging from farm machinery, light industrial equipment, motor vehicles and much more.
AgPower sales manager Brad Storey said despite having a smaller site this year, it was a good turn out.
“This year is really good. There’s a few of us have taken a little bit smaller sites, but there’s a lot more here this year.”
“It is good to be here with all the local businesses and it’s good to see there’s a lot of them here.”
Though a lot of stalls were showing off new farming equipment, the Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society focused on the old.
Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society promotions officer Phil Beveridge said the Wandin SIlvan Field Days were great supporters.
“We come pretty much every year. They’re great supporters of us and we love to support them as well and it’s a terrific community event.”
“It’s a terrific event and it sort of falls in line with what we do a little bit, because they’re promoting a lot of sales of new machinery in the area and we’re displaying old machinery.”
Four local car dealerships were also on site, and Yarra Valley Toyota dealer principal Ben Coleman said it was a great opportunity for community engagement.
“It’s not about selling cars for us today, it really is just that exposure for both Yarra Valley Toyota and Croydon Toyota.
“There’s just a great energy around the place, it’s really nice when the sun’s coming out. And you can just see everyone engaging with one another, which I think again just shows the power of the community,” Mr Coleman said.
Local CFA brigades were also on site to spread awareness about the upcoming fire season.
Wandin CFA community safety officer Claire Knowles said it was a great opportunity to get in touch with locals,
“It’s always fantastic to be at the field days. It’s a great event for the CFA, for all the local brigades.
“A number of brigades in the area who represented here to directly talk to the community about preparing for the summer ahead,” she said.
Other interesting stalls included a chainsaw sculptor, the Beloka Kelpie Working Dogs display and the On The Move Mobile Animal Farm.
