Tasmania’s premier agricultural event Agfest has returned for another year to weather that organisers say is ‘far from typical’.
The sun has been shining and the ground dry as thousands flooded through the Quercus Park gates on Thursday.
Agfest has grown significantly since its inception in 1983, attracting over 60,000 attendees and featuring more than 600 exhibitors.
Event chair Dylan Bellchambers said the popular event draws over 10% of Tasmania’s population to the paddock near Launceston each year.
“We think that’s simply incredible,” he said, adding this was the biggest opening day he has seen in his six years in the role.
Over 120 Rural Youth volunteers are putting in the hard yards to keep the event running, managing everything from car parking to ticketing.
“Collectively [our] volunteers deliver 10,000 hours each year to this event to ensure it can run,” Bellchambers said.
Tasmanian businesses are well-represented at Agfest 2024, with over 70% of exhibitors hailing from the state.
Products on display range from tractors to boats and even container homes.
“We support Tasmanians, Tasmanians support us and that’s of course at the core of what we do here,” Bellchambers said.
Agfest has once again partnered with Rural Alive & Well, who provide face-to-face support to people throughout rural Tasmania, promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention.
Despite the dry weather, organisers are encouraging attendees to embrace the tradition of gumboots by decorating and wearing them on Friday to the annual Central Arena Gumboot Parade.
The competition, sponsored by Rotorlift, also offers the chance to win four helicopter rides above the grounds.
Agfest continues until May 4th, with tickets available for purchase online or at the gate using EFTPOS only.
