Ballarat Showgrounds
The Ballarat Showgrounds (officially Ballarat Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve) is a multi-purpose venue in Wendouree, a suburb of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia owned by the City of Ballarat and since 1934, the home of the Ballarat Show, an agricultural show[1] which since 2010 has had its own public holiday in Ballarat.[2]
The focus of the Ballarat Show is the display of rural industry, including livestock and produce, with associated competitions and awards. The show also features amusement rides, a sideshow alley, and showbags, which are carry bags full of goodies produced by various commercial enterprises.
The showgrounds are used all year round, including a Trash and Treasure market since 1979 as well as occasional collectors markets and other events.
In 2013-2014, the City of Ballarat proposed current proposal to redevelop the showgrounds and in 2015, the council and agricultural society proposed relocation of the showgrounds to Victoria Park in Newington.
Site
The 10 hectare site includes Eureka Stadium which hosts Australian rules football and a number of other sports ovals which are used during the show.
There are a number of access roads servicing the site which are used as pedestrian thoroughfares during the show.
The main entrance is at the corner of Creswick and Howitt Streets and is a permanent covered structure with two turnstiles and booths for entry payment.
The main thoroughfare is Beggs Avenue which runs diagonally across the site and feeds into Bolte Place. Along this avenue and the crescent of Cairns Drive is where the majority of rides are situated.
Whykes Street runs east-west along the southern border of the site and the Howitt Street Pavilion is a permanent market stall shed which is used during the show for sideshow alley.
The largest pavilion is a large sheltered structure bordered by Russell Street which continues north along a reserve with a row of permanent animal shelters along the fence; Greenfield Street which runs north and forks into Presidents Drive which and Scotts Street.
Hendersons Street continues Greenfield Street north from Presidents Drive and is the westmost street and connects with the sports ovals. Siemering also runs north from Presidents Drive; to the west of it is the Harry Smith Pavilion and to the east is the site of the showbag stands. It also forms a triangular area with Presidents Drive and Bolte Place.
Scott Street runs north to Beggs Avenue forming Fisken Square at its junction with Bolte Place. Off Scott Street heading south is Ford Lane which meets the Hancock Pavilion and Animal Nursery.
History
The Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society was formed in 1856 and based in Learmonth. Their first agricultural show in Ballarat was held in 1859. Their showgrounds site was relocated to Lake Wendouree in 1861. In 1934 a new site was chosen at Creswick Road, Wendouree.
See also
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References
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- ↑ http://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/council/communications-and-publications/media-releases/july/ballarat-show-day-named-public-holiday.aspx
External links
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