Amanda Bordignon and Adelena Gargaro enjoy a helicopter winery tour. Riverina Helicopters will be offering shorter rides at the Riverina Field Days. Photo: Riverina Helicopters.
Helicopter tours, pig races, a snake charmer and a handmade pasta-cooking class will be among a range of attractions to feature at the Riverina Fields Days, an annual agricultural show to be held at Griffith Showgrounds on Friday, 12 May, and Saturday, 13 May.
Event marketer Amanda Quarisa said there would be several first-time events this year.
“We’re going to have pig races this time, on the Friday and Saturday,” she said. “That will be something new.”
The pigs will have to navigate their way through an obstacle course featuring ramps, tyres and bales of hay.
“Another new one is cooking demonstrations with Zecca Restaurant chef Ben Di Rosa. It’s handmade pasta, with a machine on site, and you get to taste it afterwards.”
A further highlight will be helicopter tours to be run by Griffith-based Riverina Helicopters on the Friday and Saturday.
“It costs $75 and you get to see most of the town,” pilot Bryce Nietvelt said. “Make sure you get in early. By Saturday afternoon, we are generally turning people away.”
At other times of the year, Mr Nietvelt has been offering helicopter winery tours.
“The tour includes a cheese platter and glass of wine at Yarran Wines and a beer-tasting paddle at Whitton Malt House.”
Back by popular demand this year at the show is the snake pit.
“Snake-charming expert Bob [Withey] will handle some of the world’s deadliest snakes, providing interesting info and safety tips,” event organiser Jason Torresan said.
Bob Withey charms a snake. Photo: Riverina Field Days.
“Mother’s Day happens to fall on the same weekend and it’s the perfect opportunity to pick up that last-minute gift for mum. There’ll be many exhibitors selling giftware, metal art, candles, kitchenware.”
Children’s activities will include rock climbing, a bungee run, jumping castles and a mechanical bull ride.
“The agri exhibitors are the heroes of any good field day, and the Riverina Field Days are committed to and focused on the role agriculture plays in our economy,” Mr Torresan said.
”For many farmers and agribusinesses, the impact of floods, escalating production costs and staff shortages have led to challenging times and it’s important to showcase the strength, vitality and diversity of primary industries.”
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children and pensioners, with family passes also available. Find out more and buy tickets on the Riverina Field Days website. The full program is:
FRIDAY, 12 May, 2023
11 am – 3 pm: Live music by Max Jones on the main stage.
11:30 am and 1:30 pm: Falls prevention gentle exercise demo hosted by Griffith Aged Support Service.
10 am and 11:30 am: Pig races (Site 7).
12 pm – 1 pm: Cooking demonstrations by Zecca Handmade Italian (Site 8).
1 pm: Pig races (Site 7).
2 pm: Wilk Water – Water auction (Site 8).
SATURDAY, 13 May, 2023
10 am – 12:30 pm: Live music by Chad McLean on main stage.
10:30 am – DDA dance performance.
10 am and 11 am: Pig races (Site 7).
11 am: Aussie FMX Show (freestyle Motocross), near Gate 4.
12 pm – 1 pm: Cooking demonstrations by Zecca Handmade Italian (Site 8).
12:30 pm: Riverina Field Days welcome on the main stage.
1 pm – 3:30 pm: Live music by Tony L on the main stage.
1 pm: Aussie FMX Show (freestyle Motocross), near Gate 4.
1:30 pm and 2:30 pm: Pig races (Site 7).
3 pm: Aussie FMX Show (freestyle Motocross), near Gate 4.
3:30 pm: Pig races (Site 7).
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Beer tent – Site 8 bar open from 10 am each day.
Snake pit – Near Site 169.
Classic and custom car display – Along the canal and near the grandstand.
Joy flights with Riverina Helicopters – Along the canal.
Aussie FMX (freestyle Motocross) – Saturday only.
Live music – Main stage.
Cooking demo with Zecca Handmade Italian – Site 8.
Lowes Petroleum sit-and-relax zone – Site 6.
FOR THE KIDS
Snake pit, rock climbing, pony rides, spot your favourite character around the arena, bungee run, jumping castle, mechanical bull ride and animal nursery.
MAIN STAGE
Friday
11 am – 3 pm – Live music from Max Jones.
11:30 am and 1:30 pm: Falls prevention gentle exercise demo hosted by Griffith Aged Support Service.
Saturday
10 am – 12:30 pm – Live music by Chad McLean.
10:30 am – DDA dance performance.
12:30 pm – Official welcome.
1 pm – 3:30 pm – Live music by Tony L.
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