This year’s Murrumbateman Field Days has been heralded as a major success as the sun shone on the 15,000 visitors who streamed through the gates over the weekend.
The 2023 Murrumbateman Field Days ran from 21-22 October and showcased over 300 exhibitors, with the hot ticket items ranging from tractors and mowers, to water tanks and transportable houses.
Aside from the regular attractions, the Field Days introduced new highlights such as camel rides, George the Farmer, Farmer Dave and his performing dogs, and a big yellow digger. The event also featured drone displays and snake demonstrations that attracted crowds four people deep.
Tom White, Murrumbateman Field Days Manager, expressed his elation with the event’s turnout and said that the local economy benefited immensely from the influx of visitors. “We welcomed over 15,000 visitors over the weekend, with an additional 2,000 volunteers, exhibitors and supporters onsite enjoying the event,” said Tom. “The exhibitors reported high sales this year, with visitors spending money on both big and small items.”
The success of the Field Days was evident as local businesses such as YLess4U and Taylex Tanks reported a significant increase in their sales and enquiries. Septic Science, a water treatment company and a regular Field Days exhibitor, said via Facebook that Saturday was ‘the biggest show they had ever had’.
The Murrumbateman Community Association, which oversees the event, was grateful for the support of the 15 community organisations and all the volunteers who helped deliver the Field Days. “For most, this is their largest fundraising event of the year, so all the money raised at the Field Days goes back into the local community,” said Iain McCall, the association’s president. ‘We couldn’t do it without them”.
Planning for the Murrumbateman Field Days 2024 is already underway and will take place on 19-20 October.
