Show secretary Katrina Gollan said the introduction of a Country Women’s Association bake-off and rural lifestyle expo signified a return to the roots of the 67-year-old show.

“Obviously the town has changed and the number of farmers around are nowhere near what they used to be,” she said.

“Many of us don’t realise how important farming is and maybe some of what’s happened with SPC is making people realise it.

“A lot of people want to go back to the basics, but they’re not quite sure how to go about it — they can come to the show and pick up a few tips, whether it’s for gardening, baking or arts and crafts.”

She said more young people wanting to learn traditional cooking skills has led to the introduction of the CWA bake-off, in which Yackandandah, Wodonga and Wangaratta members will do battle.

Contestants will be given a set time to bake cupcakes and scones on the spot in a Masterchef-style cook-off.

Yackandandah member Miranda Heinjus has been trialling two different types of cupcakes to bake on the day — a white chocolate chip cupcake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting or a basic batter cupcake with rose water icing and chocolate ganache.

“It’s all a bit of fun,” she said.

“Hopefully it’ll generate some interest.”

The rural lifestyle expo is also a new-comer where businesses set-up trade sites to attract a growing number of small acreage farmers who want to talk to local experts about their farm and equipment.

“The show is one of those things people say is not relevant any more in Wodonga, but we’ve worked hard to bring people in from outside on small acreages to get it all happening again,” Ms Gollan said.

“I guess we’ll see on Saturday whether the interest is there.”

She said the traditional show fare hadn’t been forgotten, with rides and a high jump competition for dogs, while people could see a three-metre crocodile in a reptile demonstration.

The Wodonga Showgrounds open at 9am and tickets are $10 for adults with children under 16 free.