Post by Rebecca Pickering, one of our outstanding bloggers.
Whoa, look at that! Glorious beasts of stud cattle and prime rams filled the inner show ring while show ponies pranced around the outside, all draped in bright colours representing their championship. Further in the distance, the vibrant ferris wheel danced in the skyline to the sound of carnival music, which would soon be accompanied by bright bursts of fireworks, so synonymous with cherished memories and fun times as the crisp smell of fresh dagwood dogs cooking filled the air. Ah, the local country show. Whether it’s the woodchopping, cattle judging, baking or show jumping you love, one thing’s for sure: The local show is the biggest event of the year for many people.
But this year, for many towns and bigger cities amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the show will not go on.
From the Sydney Royal Easter to Royal Melbourne, Royal Brisbane to Royal Adelaide, and all the smaller shows and sub chambers that encompass qualifier aspects for larger shows, postponement or notices of cancellation have been the end result for many shows around the country, which play such an integral role in small communities right through Australia.
So what impact does this have on rural, regional and remote communities?
From an agricultural perspective, the impact is drastic. Country shows exhibit agricultural and production of food and fibre, raising education of the agricultural industry and showcasing the local produce. Champion bulls and stud cows, as well as sheep and rams and further livestock that take out the winning position are utilised for their genetics, essentially acting as a platform for critical business activities within the agricultural industry.
From a social perspective, country shows offer the opportunity for patrons near and far to come together for an often fun event, leaving the stresses of the farm and workload behind and being able to enjoy it with families from similar backgrounds. And with many years of drought and the significant impact of the last bushfire season on many regional communities, where mental health is now, more than ever, critical, country shows enable mates to check up on each other and ask the ever-important question, ‘Are you okay?’
Regional economies are further hard-hit, with the cancellation of shows reducing the need for travel between regions, meaning small towns aren’t having their hospitality and accommodation facilities utilised.
And with many show societies already struggling from years of drought amidst a broader challenge of engaging the younger audiences, fear that a one-year cancellation of shows may challenge the comeback is vividly apparent.
The decision to cancel shows has not been taken lightly by many show societies. However, at front of mind is patrons’ health and safety, which at present, would be risked by the running of these events.
So for now, as we begin the slow transition out of isolation, all we can do is reminisce about the joyous memories and await the day when dagwood dogs and showbags are readily available, because inevitably, eventually, the show will go on bigger and better than ever.
Featured image Wowan Agricultural Show (source).