The 2017 Rotary FNQ Field Days finished on a fantastic note after a massive crowd of about 18,000 people passed through the gates.
The action-packed, three-day event delighted visitors and exhibitors alike, with overwhelmingly positive feedback given to organisers.
Field Days committee chair Pauline Spackman labelled the turnout as “sensational”.
With machinery and agricultural displays, police and emergency services rescue demonstrations, cattle and goat displays, men’s health education and much, much more, there was no shortage of things for visitors to see and do at the field days.
Mrs Spackman said day three of field days had a calmer vibe about it, as visitors took their time viewing what was on offer.
“It seemed really relaxed and enjoyable,” she said.
Mrs Spackman said an exhibitor survey would help the field days committee decide if the biennial event will be held over two or three days in 2019.
But anecdotal feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.
“I’ve been walking around and speaking with exhibitors and I haven’t had one person give me a negative comment,” she said.
“Most of them are ecstatic.”
Seeing visitors walk around with “big shopping bags” was a highlight for Mrs Spackman, who was thrilled that people saw real value in the event.
“That means people are out there buying things and a couple of times, the queue waiting to get some money out was a few people deep so that’s a great indicator,” she said.
“This is all about our exhibitors and if they’re getting customers through the door, that’s great.
“A lot of them I’ve spoken to say sometimes it’s also the follow-up business that’s generated from people seeing their product and talking to them.”
Mrs Spackman said field days was “very successful” in 2017.
“Our volunteers are just amazing because they fronted up for three days instead of two like in past events,” she said.
“Some of them did an extra shift or called in their mates to help, so it really does show the commitment of the community to Field Days.”
