BOTHWELL hosted the first agricultural show event in the Derwent Valley in 18 months over the weekend, the Highlands Bushfest drawing thousands up to the Central Highlands.

Around 4500 mask-wearing attendees made their way through the gate of the Bothwell Recreation Ground with Central Highlands Mayor Lou Triffitt saying she was extremely pleased with the turnout of their “mini-Agfest”.
“We had over 3000 people come in on the Saturday alone, which is amazing,” Ms Triffitt said.
“Bushfest boosts tourism, brings visitors to our town, supports our local businesses and provides visitors the opportunity to visit all our tourist attractions.”

The Derwent Valley saw its last large-scale agricultural show almost 18 months ago, with the Hamilton Show last running in March 2020.

On display at Bushfest were show classics in woodchopping, sheep dog demonstrations, animal nurseries, chainsaw sculpting and a reptile display from Tas Reptilia.

There were also attractions in the form of Zorb balls, face painting, raffle draws and the Rotary Club’s ‘Tommy Choo Choo’ train carting kids around, as well as gourmet and show-style food vans.

Tents and displays were also put together by Rural Alive and Well, Agfest, Inland Fisheries and the Derwent Catchment Program.