Although last weekend was dominated to a large extent by the annual Show ’n’ Shine in the Seven Creeks Park, there were several other exhibitions that added to the “Euroa Shines” experience.

Many shops and businesses made a special effort to showcase local produce and talents. As well as the opening of “The Weekend Local” in Binney Street, visitors were invited to view Jill Inglis’s art at The Manon Gallery on Clifton Street and “My Pride and Joy” at The Flour Mill Gallery in Kirkland Avenue. The Craft Cottage in Eliza Street and The Naturally Made Store in Binney Street displayed handcraft work, while the Euroa Men’s Shed was represented in the Sunday market.

Many visitors were enticed by the opportunity to “Pat a llama” to wander down to the William Pearson Memorial Hall (aka Band Hall) on the Sunday. The Euroa Citizens’ Band moved onto the footpath to play during the morning, when their home was occupied by spinners and weavers demonstrating their craft amongst tables full of fine yarn and blends of wool, silk and alpaca from local producers.

St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, in Clifton Street, was another venue full of colour, thanks to a huge exhibition of quilts. This collection had begun with a two or three sent to Rev Patti Matthews after the loss of her home in Marysville to bushfire, from friends in her homeland of the USA. To these had been added many of the exquisite quilts produced by local enthusiasts, which made up the bulk of the display.

Along with representation from horse, wine and other agricultural industries and performances by local musicians, it all added up to a wonderful showcase weekend for the whole district. Local people finished up tired but very happy with the success of the weekend, while many visitors were already adding next year’s event to their calendars.