AFTER plenty of thought, time, and effort into each individual design, the winners of six different categories in the Tarrington Hay Bale Art Competition have been announced after judging commenced on Tuesday.

“What strikes me every year is the dual effort from the community to spark joy and honour the heritage of the town, it’s a truly impressive feat,” Hamilton Gallery education & engagement coordinator, Amelia Jones said.

Tarrington Hay Bale Art Competition coordinator, Erin Penny, said she wishes to thank the Tarrington community who have put so much effort and creativity into their creations.

“We are thankful for you all being a part of the competition, you have all brought lots of joy to those that visit and have showcased our wonderful little village,” she said.

“My favourite part is that everyone is so creative and I am amazed at how each year there are always fabulous new ideas and it is also wonderful to see the amount of people that come and see the hay bales - there are a stream of cars most weekends during December.

“Hay bales were delivered on the Melbourne Cup weekend, so people had a few weeks to get their designs completed.

“We hope everyone enjoys seeing all of the hay bales over the coming weeks – thank you to the Hamilton Art Gallery, Southern Grampians Shire, Ben Walkenhorst, the Hilsdon family and Trev’s Hamilton for their support.”

The winners in each category are:

Christmas season: Christmas tree (Kruger and Taylor family)

Best use of recycled material: Horse and Carriage (Taylor Family)

A character or nursey rhyme figure: Wilson (Nicholls family)

A creature: Hamster/Guinea Pig (Fitzpatrick family)

Novelty: Christmas Glühwein (Huf Family) – Pictured left

A hay sculpture: Australian Animals Hay Sculpture (Tarrington Lutheran School Grade 6)