New tricks for Geelong show

Andrew Mathieson
TRICK horseback riders, a precision car-driving team and potentially thousands of teenagers on skateboards will be at the one place this weekend.
They’re not the same acts that appear at Royal Geelong Show every year but, according to event chief executive Sharolyn Taylor, the eclectic mix is good for business.
“What we like to do is just keep it fresh,” Ms Taylor said.
“We’ve been around for 153 years, so the challenge is to provide something new and interesting each year. That’s what we try to do: something that appears to a broad market.”
Among the Girls, Girls, Girls riding troupe and Toyota V6 Hilux heroes appearing for the first time in Geelong tonight, organisers are encouraging skateboarders to bring their decks during the show’s four days.
Country singer Amber Lawrence, fresh from success at an Australian Independent Country Music Awards, will also appear in the main arena on Saturday night.
But Ms Taylor said traditional highlights were still sure to delight patrons.
“Everybody loves the fireworks,” she said, while Harry’s Animal Farmyard was always “an time-old favourite”.
“Also, horses are back this year after we were not allowed to have them during the ERI outbreak last year,” Ms Taylor said.
“We’ve got record numbers of horses this year, which we’re really happy about.”
The show opened yesterday and ends on Sunday.