Expo a celebration of agriculture

The 31st annual Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo is set to be as big and exciting as ever.

Expo secretary Kym McGlinn said the usual favourites would be attending, as well as new additions for everyone to look forward to.

Ms McGlinn said this year's expo would feature more than 400 exhibits, ranging from machinery displays, grain agents, financial advisers and, of course, the popular Karara Family Interest Marquee.

"This year, the Beyond Gardens Team will be visiting us. They will be sharing their knowledge on sustainable gardening specific to this region," she said.

Ms McGlinn was also excited to introduce a new section at the show - Fashion, Art and Design.

"This year, it will be displayed as an exhibit, with the aim of including categories as competitive divisions next year. All areas of fashion, art and design are welcome, from clothing design to sculptures created with various mediums," she said.

Just like the Fabrication and Woodwork Awards, the Fashion, Art and Design Section will comprise junior and open classes and will be a platform for artists and designers to demonstrate their talents.

Although Mingenew expo has a variety of activities and exhibits, Ms McGlinn said the expo committee remained loyal to the event's original purpose.

"Our focus is on maintaining the rural and agricultural attendance," she said.

"Our motto, 'Where industry and farmers meet and mingle', is about face-to-face discussions between farmers and providers of products and services to our industry."

Visitors can also enjoy live music, fashion parades, a vintage car show, Lego competition, Yarralonga Working Dogs demonstrations, the Samm ram auction, Quick Shears competition and much more.

For those looking for a bite to eat, catering committee president Michelle Abbott said there would be many delights on offer.

"We have about 120 people on roster for the event. We provide light lunches, morning and afternoon teas and sundowner platters for Thursday afternoon," she said.

The catering committee is also responsible for the barbecue site, which provides hamburgers, steak burgers and chips.

"Other delights on offer are pizza, spuds, strawberries, coffee and juice," Ms Abbott said.