When his daughters wanted to get a pony, Len Hogan did more than just sign them up to a club - he joined the Wodonga Show Society himself.
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Now more than 30 years later, after putting in countless hours of work and becoming the society's president, he has been made a life member.
Mr Hogan was surprised by the other members on Saturday afternoon when they pulled together a presentation during the Wodonga Show.
Show society member Peter Adams made the presentation, welcoming him to the "lifers club", and also paid tribute to Mr Hogan's history in the pony and showjumping clubs.
"You're a much loved friend here and we've relied on you over the years to do all manner of things, not only with horses, but to put up fences and pull down fences, put up banners and pull down banners," he said.
Mr Hogan's family was at the show for the occasion and his granddaughter pinned the life member badge onto his shirt.
"I'm quite honoured to get a life member's badge," he said.
"I don't hang around for these awards, but I've enjoyed myself."
As Wodonga Show Society president, Mr Hogan not only runs the organisation, but also looks after the grounds year-round.
He told The Border Mail he was not sure if he deserved the honour he received.
But in a changing time for rural shows around the country, Mr Hogan admitted they would have to adapt in the future.
"It's an old institution and the biggest challenge is with the changing interests of people. Each generation changes what entertainment they're looking for," he said.
"The entertainment from 40 or 50 years ago, no one's interested in now."
His wife Wendy agreed.
"Once upon a time the ag show was an event of the year, but now being the city of Wodonga, it's not a country show," she said.
She said it had been a challenge to keep the life membership a secret from her husband over the past few weeks.
Organisers said they put a lot of work into building up this year's show and were happy with the number of people who attended on Saturday.
As well as the traditional food and art displays, the Wodonga Show also featured horse and alpaca judging, rides, appearances by wildlife and Irish dancing.
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