THERE’S a 25-hectare paddock beside the town of Harrisville.
Today, it is nothing more than a ‘blank canvas’.
But in less than a month’s time, it will be the home of the first ever, Scenic Rim Agricultural Expo.
On the first two days of Spring, that grassy paddock will be filled with more than 80 exhibitors who will have set up their tents, set out their products or machinery or equipment and set the signage about their Expo specials.
In another section, two large marquees will shade an employment hub and an area where an array of speakers will be leading info sessions, taking questions and giving some useful advice.
Moving on to another section, visitors will be able to sit and enjoy working dog and horsemanship demonstrations.
And taking another step, or three, along the Expo pathways, visitors will find food and coffee trucks, a licensed bar and chef Matt Golinski giving cooking demonstrations … all to the mellow sounds of live music.
And there’s more …
Sheep and miniature goats will have their own section where the breeders will be on hand to have a chat about their livestock, while the kids can watch the animal antics.
And especially for the kids, there’ll be a petting zoo close by.
And there’s more … but keep tuned to learn about the ‘more’ in coming weeks.
“What we really want to emphasise is there’s something for everyone who owns, or wants to own a patch of dirt – be it the size of a postage stamp or a 1,000 hectare paddock,” says Brian Lawson, who is speaking on behalf of the organisers of what is hoped to become an annual destination event for Harrisville and the greater Scenic Rim.
The Scenic Rim Agriculture Expo (Inc) is a joint venture between the Harrisville Lions and the Fassifern Valley Rotary Club.
“We’re planning an Expo that has something for everyone – there will be something to see, do, learn and enjoy for backyard gardeners through to broadacre farmers,” Brian continued.
“And the employment hub will be one of the standouts.
“We’re expecting representatives from the three Defence Forces, the Police, Dairy Australia, Stanbroke Pastoral Company, Plasvacc, Moffatts Fresh Farms, QFES and more, who will be there to talk about career pathways for teenagers and adults.”
And the band of organisers have put in hours of planning and working to cater to a crowd they’re expecting to come from as far away as Bundaberg to the north and northern New South Wales to the south.
“A good portion of the paddock will be our parking lot,” Brian explains as he tallies up the 534 round bales that were baled when the paddock was first mowed.
Those bales will be put to good use.
“On the Expo days, September 1 and 2, the round bales will be used as bollards between the Expo venue and the Expo carpark and I imagine we’ll find lots of other good uses for them.”
And while Brian wants to encourage everyone to come along to the Expo, he also wants to encourage them to buy their tickets online.
“It’s really important to pre-purchase your tickets.” (See advertisement this page for details).
