FANCY yourself as a crack whip? Reckon you’ve got a delft hand and are keen to wield a whip? One of the more thrilling attractions at this years’ Maleny show will be the whip cracking displays and opportunity for ‘whip curious’ people of all ages to give this somewhat exhilarating sport a go.
Former stockman Ken Scott is the ‘whip cracking’ steward at Maleny Show and he said he is looking forward to overseeing the displays, running from 11am both days of the event. He is also anticipating the all ages contest on Friday afternoon, which will have great cash prizes up for grabs and a total prize pool of $1000.
Ken said the Friday whip cracking competition will feature four classes, including a kids and youth section, and entry for the competition is $10 for adults and free for under 12’s . He said people should come along, have a bit of fun and also it is a great way to keep an old traditional sport alive.
“Whip cracking, as a sport here in Australia, has been going for over 150 years, and it’s a bit of unique fun that can be on the edge of feeling a little dangerous – which people sometimes find appealing. The kids love it because it makes a bit of noise, and it’s a skill we want to keep alive,” explained Ken.
Another highlight will be the appearance on Saturday of former Australian Whip Cracking Champion Colin Erbacher, fresh from his win at the recent Man from Snowy River Festival. Ken said Colin is extremely entertaining and a highly skilled whip cracker who is really quite spectacular to watch.
“ It’s incredible to watch the good fellows like Col. I’ve seen him a couple of times already and he can do all sorts of thing with whips – even make music! It’s marvellous what he can do!” said Ken.
Judges for the all ages and abilities competitions include veteran whip maker Lindsay Whiteman, and Ken said everybody is welcome to come along and have a go.
The whip cracking area will be located near the cricket nets, on the second oval during the Maleny Show Friday June 2- Saturday June 3. For more details contact Ken Scott on 0428 230 213.
