Now that the dust has had time to settle on the 2024 version of the iconic Kyabram event, there are some respected opinions that it may have been.
One of the barometers of the crowd size at Kyabram rodeos is the parking situation.
When it’s all taken up in the showgrounds, just how much is taken up on adjoining streets is usually a reliable pointer to crowd numbers.
Well, long-time Kyabram rodeo attendees can’t remember street parking spots outside the showgrounds being in demand as much as they were this year.
Even the large residential development The Edge on the corner of Lancaster Rd and Bolitho Rd was packed with vehicles of rodeo goers, as were all streets in the vicinity of the showgrounds.
Many of these parks still represented a lengthy walk to the rodeo action.
Show Society president Graham Joiner said he hadn’t seen a bigger rodeo crowd, and secretary Janelle McDonald agreed.
‘‘Many thought it was the biggest,’’ Janelle said.
One thing is sure, though — if the rodeo was still being held at the Kyabram Recreation Reserve as the first and only one was in 1946, there would have been some chaotic parking scenes and some extra challenges for organisers to cater for horse-drawn vehicles bringing spectators to that historic event.
Remembering Bruce and Richard
Kyabram has lost two former prominent, successful, and well-liked businessmen, Bruce Harper and Richard Isaac, in recent times.
Bruce Harper, who left us on February 18 at the grand old age of 96, ran the Allan St business of Kyabram Tyre Service for many years before seeing out his working days as a clerk at Morrison and Sawyers.
He was a very polite and well-respected member of the Kyabram community for his entire life.
Richard Isaac, 85, was another stalwart local who spent all his life living and working in Kyabram.
He is an Australian history maker, being the centre pin in the ownership of the Kyabram business Albion Motors, whose Toyota dealership is the longest-serving Toyota dealership in Australia.
His father, Richard (Dick), started the business with Perc Walton in 1950, and his son Ian is now in charge.
Richard, who served Kyabram for eight years as a councillor and had a term as mayor of the town, was always very protective of the town he lived in and loved all of his life.
Back in business after five years
The Boosey Creek Tavern at Katamatite reopened its doors on March 9 under the new title of Boosey Creek Tavern and Tin Shed Bistro.
New owner Shane Cridland is quitting 25 years in the banking industry to take on the new challenge, and, as well as dispensing good pub meals and cool drinks, wants the pub to become known as a hub for musicians.
Street art fun in Benalla
Benalla’s Street Art Festival is back and kicks off tomorrow for a week.
Headlining the festival will be Benalla’s own artist extraordinaire Tim Bowtell — one of the best in the business.
He is looking forward to participating in the festival’s Wall to Wall feature art work which he missed out on at the last festival because he was painting silos at Colbinabbin.
Other artists featuring at the festival are David Bromley, Buff Diss, Melaine Caple, Tommy Day, Dxtr, Lisa King, Minna Leunig, Merda, David Lee Pereira, Travis Price, Reka, Softies, Amanda Valdes and Neryl Walker.
Did you know ...
● Australia has a larger population of camels than Egypt.
● While kangaroos are considered a national icon, with over 40 million estimated throughout the country, they can also be considered a pest in some locations.
● 17 of the world’s most poisonous snakes can be found in Australia (but don’t worry, they tend to keep to themselves).
● Australia is home to around 1500 types of spiders, 4000 types of ants and 350 types of termites.
Square Dinkum
G’day
‘‘The police rang to say they have recovered our stolen sofa ... which was really nice of them ... because it was starting to look a bit shabby.’’
Hooroo!!!
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