South East Field Days at Lucindale cancelled for 2021 over COVID-19 uncertainty

SA’s largest annual field day, the South East Field Days, has been cancelled for 2021 because of uncertainty over possible COVID-19 rules and restrictions.

The 2016 South East Field Days at Lucindale. Picture: Supplied

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The cancellation of next year’s South East Field Days, which draws 22,000 people to the region, will be a huge blow to the region’s economy, organisers say.

They have announced the March 2021 event has been scrapped because of uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

It is the state’s largest annual field days event, and secretary Lyn Crosby said it helps raise up to $100,000 for charity, and inject an estimated $20m to $30m into the region’s economy each year.

Held in Lucindale, it is the first South Australian field days event to be axed for 2021, following a string of cancellations for this year’s events.

People at the South East Field Days, Lucindale.

Tractors and farm equipment on display at the South East Field Days, Lucindale

Mrs Crosby said uncertainty around COVID-19, including what social distancing rules and border controls would look like in six months, led to the tough decision.

“About a quarter of our exhibitors come from Victoria and a quarter of our crowd comes from across the border too – so we just decided it was too uncertain,” she said.

“We’ll err on the side of caution and take a year off and hopefully come back bigger and better in 2022.”

This year’s event would have been South East Field Days’ 42nd. It usually features family entertainment, stock and machinery sales and a range of exhibitors.

The lumberjack show at the 2014 South East Field Days at Lucindale.

“Lucindale township relies heavily on Field Days,” Mrs Crosby said. “It’s the heart of the Limestone Coast. Because we’re so close to the sea, people also tend to take their holidays around that time.

“We book out all the accommodation for a 150km radius, so all those people are missing out, plus our contractors.”

The Lucindale Lions Club donates to a string of causes through Field Days, including Naracoorte Hospital and local sports.

“It's a time when families get back together – it’s a real social thing and a lot of people are really going to struggle because it’s just another thing that’s not going to happen,” publicity officer Kim Corrigan said.

Meantime, Mount Gambier Council has also decided to cancel its Christmas parade, which usually attracts 10,000 people, because of COVID-19.

The council will look at how Father Christmas can come to town in a different format this year, and also consider other festive season activities it might be able to host.

Mount Gambier Council usually allocates $37,000 on the parade including labour, and has decided to put any remaining unspent funds towards its Mayor’s Appeal to help families in need this Christmas.

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