Record turnout tipped for Field Days

BY ROBYN HOLMES

ONE of the biggest events in the region will be back better than ever in May, with organisers expecting a record turnout to the Rotary FNQ Field Days.

Run by the combined Atherton and Mareeba Rotary Clubs, the three-day event attracts around 16,000 through the gates at the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds, all keen to take part in a broad range of activities including the popular tractor pull, the health and wellbeing pavilion, working machinery displays and kids area.

With more than 600 sites available for exhibitors, the event is the largest Field Days in northern Australia, having tripled in size over the past 10 years, outgrowing its original site at Walkamin.

With a theme this year of “A Celebration of Agriculture”, event marketing coordinator Jeanette Sturiale says everyone is upbeat about what’s in store in 2023.

“We launched the sites in December and sold 85 per cent of them in the first four days – we have released another 50 sites and they are nearly sold out now,” she said.

“I think this really reflects the reputation of the event – the most important measures of success are return customers, the amount of new people who want to come, and the speed of the bookings.”

One of the most popular events is the cattle auction and that, too, has been in great demand.

“Pens for the cattle always sell fast but this time, they sold out in a week,” Ms Sturiale said.

And while many people go just to see the big machinery and agricultural products on display, exhibitors report that the business side of the event is also significant.

In terms of sales, Ms Sturiale said it was all about making a connection with companies who could show and demonstrate the latest products. With buyers often living in remote or regional ar-