ONE of the busiest sites at the 2014 Eyre Peninsula Field Days was the pavilion.
The pavilion is a shed that houses popular events such as at the Artyculture parade, featuring designer clothes created by the locals.
Speakers this year included Senator Nick Xenophon, who talked about the pros and cons of mining, and Aldinga Aero Club's Terry Cahalan and Lucianne Van Gelder, who gave talks on behalf of Angel Flight, a charity that coordinates non-emergency flights for people in financial and medical need.
Field day president Rex Crosby said the shed was erected in the 1980s and had seen many improvements since then.
"Originally, the shed only had a dirt floor, so we cemented the floor," he said.
"We also had the stage made by a school student – Mark Wedding from Arno Bay – as part of his tech studies course."
The shed is made of colorbond steel and measures 12 metres by 24m.
Mr Crosby said having a permanent shed at the site had many benefits.
"It just means that we can plan events to hold here," he said.
"The Artyculture fashion parade is always held in the pavilion, and it is very popular. Having the permanent site means they can come in early and set up, rather than wait for a marquee to be put up."
Mr Crosby said the shed also offered long-term savings to the field days committee.
"The marquee that we used to use, rather than the pavilion, cost about $26,000 to rent out each field day," he said.
* Full report in Stock Journal, October 23, 2014 issue.