Things got interesting for the Southern Field Days crew as more than 150mm of rain fell in Gore at the beginning of last week — which coincided with vendors also trying to get to the site to set up for the three-day event, which started today.
Southern Field Days president Warren Ross said life got ‘‘just a little bit challenging’’ as road closures delayed companies arriving with gear and equipment.
When Southern Rural Life spoke to Mr Ross last week, a number of vendors were ‘‘flat out’’ trying to install marquees and build sites.
‘‘We got a bit of sun and wind which dried things out pretty quick which was great. We also extended the site’s open hours. Usually it’s a pretty strict 7am til 7pm window that companies are allowed on the site for set up, but we loosened up on that a bit and have been a bit more lenient,’’ he said.
The way the southern communities have rallied together through the flood event was extremely heartening; ‘‘It really goes to show just how kind and giving people are. It’s been very humbling, to be honest.’’
Mr Ross laughed off the stress he and the Southern Field Days committee had been under in the past 10 days.
‘‘It’s been a character-building experience, that’s for sure. But it’s all good, she’s going to be a doozy.’’
The Southern Field Days event started today and finishes on Friday.
