HAMILTON will be buzzing this weekend, as Sheepvention Rural Expo 2023 returns to its two-day format with updated trading times from 8am-5pm both Sunday and Monday.

The Entertainment Centre will be full of the sounds of children’s laughter and excitement this year with a jam-packed calendar of face painting, petting zoo, colouring, entertainment, special guest appearances and of course the Paw Patrol shows.

The Producer’s Market and Ace Radio Innovations Hub, held in the new-look festival tents, will be lively with displays across each day on the Kitchen Stage, including local chef, Lindsay Fush, using local products from Grange Garlic.

In true form, Hamilton businesses have embraced the lead up to Sheepvention, decorating shopfronts with sheep and wool themes as part of the Sheepify Hamilton competition.

This year, judges awarded Linen House the winner of the Best Displayed Shopfront, while Most Creative Shop Name went to BAAA St Vets and BAAAAAstock Logic (Cox St Vets and Livestock Logic).

“Each year businesses outdo themselves with their creativity,” Sheepvention president, David Botterill said.

“We’re always impressed with the effort and grateful for the support of local businesses who get behind our event and we can only hope the increased trade over the busy Sheepvention weekend is just reward.”

The expo will be officially opened by Fletcher International Exports director, Roger Fletcher, at 12.30pm on Sunday in the Ram Shed.

A Q&A with Mr Fletcher will follow, with the opportunity for attendees to learn how his Dubbo-based export company evolved from humble beginnings into one of Australia’s great agribusiness success stories.

With more than 250,000 acres across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, the company is a leader in the supply of sheep meat, skins, wool, co-products, cotton, grain and pulses to the global market.

“It’s an honour to have Roger opening this year’s Sheepvention,” Mr Botterill said.

“To hear firsthand how Roger bought a few mob of sheep in the late 60s to go on and build the company to its current standing in the global market is such a treat for our attendees.

“We’re thrilled to have him here in Hamilton and would recommend coming to listen to his Q&A with Matthew Grylls of Virbac Australia.”

The Hamilton & Western District Sheep Show will spotlight the Suffolk as feature breed in 2023.

Merinos will be shown and exhibited in the Merino and Ram sheds, and judged throughout the Sunday.

All other breeds will also be judged on Sunday, while the Interbreed and Junior Judging Competition will take place in the Sheep Pavilion on Monday at 9am, with presentations for the Junior Judging to follow at 1pm.

The winner will proceed to the VAS State Finals, held at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo in 2024.

The Ram Sale this year, comprising of 73 rams, kicks off at 10am on Monday, following judging and inspections on Sunday.

Free bus transfers to and from the town centre on both days will be available between 9.30am and 4pm.

For your chance to win a Sunbeam Mini Barista Espresso Machine valued at $329 and skip the queue at the gate, pre-purchase your ticket online at www.123tix.com.au/events/profile/2294. Online admission is free for children (0-18), $18 for seniors, carers and teachers, and adult tickets cost $23.