TOM HAYES
By TOM HAYES
THOUSANDS of people gathered at the Thorpdale Recreation Reserve for the first Thorpdale Potato Festival since the COVID pandemic, at the weekend. Car parking was scattered between paddocks near the footy oval, as people were eager to get in and check out what was on offer. Food stalls were as busy as ever, with people lining up in their tens to get their hands on some locally-sourced and -made food. Everything from potato products to paella to your standard hotdog was on offer, as everyone’s hunger was tamed. On the opposite wing, activities were a hit. The potato picking contest held multiple heats, both professional and amateur rounds were held to get everyone involved. Meanwhile, on the main stage, comedy acts and the fashions on the field progressed, which included the creativity of hessian-inspired clothing. The crowd favourite was the youngest-ever competitor, who donned hessian pants, whose father held him to the crowd ‘Lion King-style’ at the end of the runway. Other entertainment included live music from Kindred, The Reel Deal and Tegan Blackstock as well as dog and shearing demonstrations. Kids entertainment was everywhere to be seen, with potato and spoon races held for the young ones, a petting zoo, a magic show by Luigi Zucchini, an inflatable obstacle course and face painting. On the outskirts of the oval, tractors and trucks were lined-up for display, while a motorbike stunt show wowed the onlooking crowd. Around 12,000 people were estimated to walk through the gates, a massive turnout for the country town. Every local community had their own stall and every cent of the money stays with those groups and importantly in the town of Thorpdale and surrounding communities. It really was all to be seen and I’m sure people will be marking their calendars for the next Potato Festival.
