Thousands of Freeling community members gathered at The FARM Centre on March 22nd and 23rd as the venue transformed into a hub of excitement for the Light Regional Farm and 4×4 Expo. The event, attended by 2,200 people, showcased the latest developments in farming, machinery, equipment technology and services throughout the Light district and surrounding areas.

The expo featured 105 exhibitors, offering a wide array of products and services. Activities across the two days included sheep shearing, an axe man competition, the Fittest Farmer challenge, towing demonstrations, live music, a petting zoo, live speakers and the presence of Macca from What’s Up Down Under, talking all things 4×4.

The Fittest Farmer challenge was a popular event on the Saturday. Participants tested their fitness levels with various skill demonstrations, including shifting bales of hay and flipping a tractor tyre. Features across the two days also included RAA representatives offering safety and towing tips and how to prepare your car before trips away, as well as talks from Emmetts, PIRSA, Adelaide Hills 4WD Park and Camp By Me.

On top of providing a showcase for all things farming and 4×4, it also provided a chance for people to learn more about what The FARM Centre provides. “The stadium floor allows for a 20-ton tractor while also catering for summer season basketball and country netball matches. The venue has become a hub of activity in the Light Region, hosting other events, including the Sparks Disco, Touch A Truck, Barossa Pickleball Tournament, and Freeling Footy Carnival, in recent years. Regular community groups also have regular access to the venue, including Bingo, Exercise Physiology, Fitness Classes, over-50s Exercises, and many different sporting groups”, Venue Manager Ross Sharer states.

The event successfully raised over $1,200 for the Belgravia Foundation, with contributions from both the Ass On The Grass Competition and gold coin donations for the jumping castle. Proceeds from these donations will support the launch of a monthly Friday Night Youth Group, dedicated to addressing youth mental health, scheduled to commence in the upcoming 2025 financial year.