THE show will not go on in 2020, with the Mount Gambier Agricultural and Horticultural Society cancelling its spring show, citing community health during the COVID-19 pandemic as the major reason behind its decision.
Originally scheduled for October 23 and 24, the society made the announcement with “great disappointment”, stating the two-day event would be unworkable in the current coronavirus climate.
It is the latest country show casualty as a result of the pandemic, becoming South Australia’s 22nd event scheduled in October to be cancelled, with the fate of Naracoorte’s show the state’s only event yet to be decided.
Show society president Danielle Tulak said the decision to cancel was not taken lightly, adding the management committee had explored all possible avenues over the past few months.
“At the end of the day the health and safety of our community, stakeholders, volunteers and exhibitors is paramount,” Ms Tulak said.
“With the current changes to gatherings and restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic we have decided that cancellation is the most res onsible decision at this time,” she said.
While Mount Gambier’s public event has been called off, school-based agriculture competitions and exhibitions will continue on the traditional Thursday time slot in a modified format.
Ms Tulak said the hosting of any competitions would be dependent on COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time.
“The schools have been feeding, preparing and training the animals since March and at the very least we will facilitate the program in agricultural schools so we can keep that program alive for future years,” Ms Tulak said.
“We are committed and the schools have invested so much money and time into the animals it is only fair.”
Ms Tulak said all other in-house exhibitions such as arts, crafts and baking would not go ahead this year, making the decisions alongside delegates from all sections during last week’s meeting.
“Nobody was comfortable running their own section and both the dog show and the cattle had already cancelled, the sheep exhibition advised us they were not going to proceed so we had already lost a number of little pockets that make our show what it is,” she said.
“Entertainment options such as the log chop rely heavily on interstate travellers who would not have been able to come and there are also those from Victoria who compete each year in a number of events as well.
“If we had not have made the call now it could have cost us a huge financial outlay.”
Ms Tulak also revealed some regular sporting and community groups who use the facility were unable to meet currently, adding further financial strain on the society due to lack of fees.
“Our usual tenants who lease out the rooms have not been able to meet because of the virus,” she said.
“We have also had less travellers and less out-of-town entertainment staying at the grounds as well.”
She said the non-for-profit organisation was responsible for managing the 72 acres of grounds for community use for events and exhibitions.
