Event to draw in

By Dion Teasdale
ORGANISERS of the Wandin Silvan Field Days are breaking tradition this year, staging the 37th two-day event on a Friday and Saturday.
Last year warm temperatures and clear skies drew more than 200 exhibitors from across Australia and an estimated 6000 visitors to the event which has always been held on a Thursday and Friday.
This year, with the inclusion of the Saturday, organisers are hoping to attract record numbers of exhibitors and visitors to the event which will be held at the Wandin East Reserve on 13 and 14 October.
Organised and run by a team of volunteers, the field days showcase the latest equipment and up-to-date information and developments in a range of primary production industries.
“Our field days are unique because they are pitched toward the horticulture and agriculture industries and also incorporate the wine growers, orchardists and flower growers in the local area,” organising committee secretary Nan Cleven said.
“As a result we draw exhibitors and visitors from across the country and the event is widely known as having a very friendly atmosphere.
“We have had a lot of requests to include the Saturday and believe it will make it a lot more accessible to people who have not been able to come in the past.”
In addition to the latest information, technology and equipment for the horticulture and agriculture industries, the field days will also showcase local communities, Mrs Cleven said.
“There are no commercial caterers at the field days. Instead all the catering is done by local schools and community groups who are able to do their year’s fund raising over two days,” she said.
“The field days are also a good avenue for fund raising for five local fire brigades. Their volunteers organise the traffic management and then share in the gate takings.”
The 2006 Wandin Silvan Field Days will be held from 8.30am to 6pm on Friday, 13 October and from 8.30am to 4pm on Saturday, 14 October. Entry is $8 and children under 15 enter for free.
Ample free on-site parking is available. For further information check out the website www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au or email info@wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au