Founded in 1871 and known locally as the Dandy Show, it takes place at the Dandenong Showgrounds, Greaves Reserve, Bennet St., Dandenong VIC 3175. The annual event is an important outlet for the community and for local farmers to make business contacts, and to showcase their livestock.
The Dandy Show has lots more to offer than just fresh produce and livestock. It is a wonderful family friendly event, full of fun activities, competitions, displays, rides, and perhaps best of all, lots of cute animals. The two full day program features many events that will keep young and old alike entertained.
The Dandy Show is a popular event, not only in Victoria, and draws approximately 20,000 visitors each year. Sadly, we weren’t able to be open to the public for the last two years due to the pandemic.
This year, the organisers are anticipating a large turnout, now that we are staging a coming back on November 12 and 13, 2022.
A Great Family Event
The Dandenong Agricultural Show has always been a great family friendly two day program that is filled with fun and exciting activities, displays, competitions, rides, and lots of cute animals. And perhaps best of all, a variety of food choices.
Once you are inside the showground, much of the packed program of attractions is free. This includes a bevy of town criers, local musicians, singers and dancers performing live, as well as the Saturday night highlight of a fireworks display.
Favourite Attractions
With a full two-day program, there will be many events that will keep you and your family thoroughly entertained, not to mention the fireworks display on Saturday night.
Horse Events
One of the biggest highlights of the Dandy Show happens in the horse ring, where there is fierce competition since everyone is trying their hardest to qualify for the Royal Shows around Australia and the Victorian Horse of the Year Competition.
The great thing about the Dandy Show is that it is one of the few remaining to have so many horse events. All Breed Horses will be in competition on the Saturday, including:
- Welsh Ponies.
- Clydesdale
- Stock Horses.
- Palominos.
- Arabs.
- And many other breeds.
On Sunday, there will be a three ring Open Breed competition covering Hacks, Galloways, and Ponies. Featured on both days are light harness horses, fun ring, led events. Also, among the most popular among spectators and guests, is the show jumping competitions.
Animals
An agricultural show won’t be complete without a vast array of animals competing for blue ribbons. Expect to see beef and dairy cattle, black and coloured sheep, dairy goats, rabbits, poultry, pigeons, or even alpacas.
Arts and Craft Competitions
The Arts and Crafts Competition is held with high standards, so if you plan to join in, be sure to be well-prepared because we assure you that competition will be steep, but all in good fun.
Entrants to the cookery competition produce their finest scones, yo yoes, lamingtons, jams, and preserves. Also, there is an intricate cake decorating section for star bakers and pattisiers.
Floral Arrangement, Vegetables, and Potted Plants
Cut flowers are also crowd drawers and is one among the popular displays to look at, while vegetable competitions and gorgeous potted plants get green thumbs talking about their biggest pumpkins and produce. Who knows, you might even get a free seed packet or two at these displays to encourage you to grow your own food at home.
Truck Pull
A crowd favourite among men and young children in past shows, the truck pull event is for teams of ten who pays for an entry fee to pull a truck for 50 metres. Proceeds from this event are used to raise funds for a particular charity. Surely a great cause to get involved in.
Other Activities
There are other specialised activities that also draw in crowds, such as:
- Calligraphy
- Porcelain Dolls
- Ceramics
- Oil and acrylic paintings
- Photography
- Hand spinning
- Weaving
These and many any other crafts will sure brighten everyone’s faces and an opportunity to learn and take part in.
Fun Rides, Showbags, Shows, and Food.
The Dandy Show wouldn’t be a show without fun rides. Grab a showbag or two while hopping to one display to the next. See motorcycle stunt displays, a battle of the bands, gum boot throws, dog-flyball, roving entertainers, balloon twisting, stockmans challenge, great giveaways and much more.
Food stalls and food trucks will be on the ground to fill hungry bellies, offered by our multicultural exhibitors. See, smell, and taste varieties of mouth-watering delights, prepared authentically the way they are done in their countries of origin.
NOTE: One thing you will not see at The Dandy Show is alcohol. The entire event is not inclined, nor is it encouraged, to tip the bottle at this wholesome community and family event.
Tickets for this event are $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-16, $30 for a family (two adults and up to four children), and children under six are free.
The Dandy Show takes place at Greaves Reserve, Bennett Street, Dandenong. The gates will be open from 9am-9pm on Saturday, 12 November, and 9am-4pm on Sunday, 13 November.
