THE Mil Lel Show is the latest casualty in a series of cancelled spring events due to COVID-19.
The Mil Lel Memorial Park was expected to host its annual community show on Saturday, October 10, but unfortunately Limestone Coast families will not be able to enjoy the happy sights and sounds this year.
Organisers were hopeful a reduced event focused on horses would still be possible, but they now believe it is too difficult to host any activities.
Mil Lel Show treasurer Liza Kirby said it was a hard decision to make, but the right one.
“It was definitely a tough call to make,” she said.
“We actually decided to cancel the bulk of the show about a month ago, but held off the decision thinking we may still be able to run horse events outside with a reasonable amount of social distancing on the day.
“But with the current circumstances in Victoria we thought it became almost impossible.”
A major part of the decision-making process regarded the rapidly reducing amount of time to create a revamped event catering for COVID-19 restrictions.
Another concern was how people would feel about attending a reduced event with many restrictions in place impacting the experience.
This is the first time the Mil Lel Show has been cancelled in its 82-year history.
The only parallels to this year’s troubles were in 1956 when the show was delayed for two months because it clashed with a football grand final replay involving the East Gambier Football Club and in 2007 when the horse events were called off due to the outbreak of equine influenza.
Ms Kirby believes the show cancellation in 2020 would be a setback for the small district.
“It is definitely a blow for the community,” she said.
“We have donate a substantial amount of money – roughly $4000 – to the primary school and park each year, so it is definitely a blow for those organisations.”
Despite the setback, organisers already have an eye on the 2021 edition to make sure it will be one not to miss.
The Mil Lel Show received funds from Grant District Council to purchase a doughnut machine while a fridge and pie warmer has been donated by Jo and Shane Gabriel.
Ms Kirby said these additions would be one of many improvements to the event when it returned, with preparations already under way for 2021.
“Even though we are not having a show, we will still maintain the grounds and work towards the next show,” she said.
“Hopefully we will be virus free and can get ready for a show next year.”
The Mil Lel Show joins the list of cancelled spring events alongside Millicent and Penola, while a decision on the fate of this year’s Mount Gambier Show is expected this month.
