Newdegate Machinery Field Days: Plethora of children’s entertainment a hit with parents and kids alike

The smiles on the faces of children and parents at this year’s Newdegate Machinery Field Days was all the proof needed that the event committee’s renewed focus on children’s activities was the right one. There were more children’s activities than ever at this year’s event with bouncing castles, a bucking bull, an inflatable obstacle course, balloon twisting, face painting, an interactive reptile show, travelling animal farm and a show from Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. Children’s entertainment co-ordinator Fanny McDonald said the fresh line-up of children’s entertainment was headlined by an award-winning adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel Blueback performed by Fremantle’s Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. Described by Spare Parts as “one of Winton’s most personal and quintessentially WA stories”, Blueback depicts the life of a young boy, Abel, and his mother, who embark on a mission to preserve the natural habitat of the place they call home. Those that attended the performance — which formed part of the September 6 and 7 event — braved the cold and sat on the steps outside the Family Interest Display Pavilion to watch as the stage came to life for the puppet display. Mr McDonald said a “big portion” of the event’s budget and sponsorship was dedicated to children’s entertainment, in line with the organisers’ and local community’s desire to make sure the Field Days have something for everyone. With free admission for children under 16 — thanks to a generous contribution from grain handler CBH Group — the event was an affordable family day out as the cost of living continues to soar. “The big thing about the kids’ entertainment is one, it’s all free thanks to the funding by the Field Days and sponsors, and two, we’re trying to cover all ages,” Ms McDonald said. Bringing something new to the table without deviating too far from the event’s tried-and-true formula was among the biggest challenges, Ms McDonald said. Field Days committee vice-president Stephanie Clarke-Lloyd said the renewed focus on children’s entertainment was in line with organisers’ vision to diversify the event while staying true to its roots. SEE THE PICTURES