When you talk about AgQuip you have to talk steak sandwiches, and kids having a ball.
The steak sangas are the fuel that holds the entire event together, and yet separates the crowd with who has the best, who has the biggest, and where did I get that second one from yesterday.
This year was no different, and while we can’t judge which was the best, one of the consistently biggest lines was at the Murray Grey site, and they didn’t disappoint.
Self appointed “dogs body” and head chef Chris Lake was anticipating on throwing around 5000 of the hunger busters on to the bbq this year.
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“The best we have ever done was 6000, although I don’t think we will get there this year, but it is always hard to tell,” he said.
“We look like doing around 1200 on Tuesday which is about average, but we have been getting a good consistent turnover.
“I think the crowd looks down a little bit, which is probably expected, but is good to see a lot of people coming in and having a look around.”
Meanwhile down the way the team from Trade Fair International, who import BKT agricultural tyres were kicking in for the kids, and not just the ones at AgQuip.
While using an air compressor might be a familiar chore for the team, using it to inflate 6000 footballs of all varieties may not have been.
For the past four years the BTK team have been selling rugby, soccer and AFL balls for $2 a pop, with the $12,000 raised going directly to Tamworth’s Ronald McDonald House.
Trade Fair International’s Barry Debenham said the stand is always popular, and people always dig deep.
“Out here people really do appreciate Ronald McDonald House, and appreciate what we are doing,” he said.
“We have people that give us $20 for a ball because they know how important it is.
“It is also great to be giving balls out so that kids are out and active and can have a bit of fun.”
Ronald McDOnald House CEO Ross Bingham agreed.
“We have 260 families a year using Tamworth’s Ronald McDonald House, and 80 per cent of our funding comes from community fundraising like this,” he said.
“We operate on community support so initiatives like this are really appreciated, and go a long way for a lot of families.”
