Alexandra Falls
THE popular Seymour Alternative Farming Expo (SAFE) will be celebrating its 20th birthday this year.
SAFE 2011 will be held at Kings Park, in Tallarook Street, Seymour, on February 18, 19 and 20.
From humble beginnings, the exposition has experienced huge growth in both exhibitors and visitors alike, rising to become a staple of rural farming and lifestyle information.
However, this year SAFE has a particular challenge to address.
While the season prior to this year’s harvest was excellent, excessive rains and floods have unfortunately created many challenges for rural communities and towns alike.
“We would hope that our event may provide opportunities, products and requirements that can assist our rural neighbours during this time of adversity,” said SAFE director Colin Stray.
This year SAFE will also have a strong emphasis on lifestyle, and a new art competition, comprising 2D and 3D works, has been launched giving amateur, emerging and established artists a chance to share their interpretation of ‘Rural Life’.
A prize pool of more than $5000 has sparked great interest and support from the art community.
“The calibre and number of entries in the Rural Art Competition has exceeded all our expectations,” Mr Stray said.
In the 2D category, entrants can submit paintings, drawings or photography while the 3D category calls for sculptures created principally from recyclable materials.
“It’s a simple way of drawing attention to the fact that we need to think more seriously about our environment and the way we can utilise used materials,” said Mr Stray.
Another new feature this year will be Timberland, where a number of skilled tradespeople will transform logs of timber into furniture and unique handmade products.
Regular attractions include the Snake Show, Chainsaw Carving, Working Sheep Dogs, the Country Cook Off and the Butcher’s Shop.
There will also be a Gourmet Food Court, GOTAFE building lectures, Agricultural Society lectures and NMIT Ag Zone lectures.
In excess of 100 new exhibitors will be present at SAFE, demonstrating the best of what the country can offer in new products and equipment, energy saving ideas, gourmet foods, livestock and poultry.
Producers also have the opportunity to sell their wares at the Farmers’ Market Section.
With 500 Exhibitors in total, there will be an estimated 40,000 people coming together to stage one of Victoria’s great events.
For more information or to make a booking call 5799 1211, or visit the website at <www.seymour-expo.com>.
Free tickets
The Review is currently offering five complimentary family passes to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo for the first five callers, so ring in on 5734 3344 to win.
