Regional show announces it will not go ahead in 2020 due to virus outbreak

A regional show, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An organiser says they will not be the only one to close its gates this year.

A regional show has been forced to cancel for the first time in its 70-year history following the outbreak of COVID-19 virus.

Redcliffe Show Society has announced via Facebook that it has no choice but to cancel this year’s show.

Show secretary of 40 years Barbara Mapp said the committee was “very sad” and it was not an easy decision to make.

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Charlotte Owttrim enjoys 'catch a fish' game at the Redcliffe Show in 2019. PHOTO: AAP /Renae Droop

The show was due to be held in June.

Ms Mapp said it is not the type of event you can just cancel the week before.

“We start organising the event the week after the show is held,” Ms Mapp said.

“We held off making the decision as long as possible.”

Ms Mapp said she has had the hard task of all calling all the entertainers and attractions booked to inform them the show was not going head.

“A lot of the people who make up our sideshow alley are devastated, their livelihood is gone,” she said.

Tom Wilkinson from Kippa-Ring in action in the woodchop arena at the 2019 Redcliffe Show. PHOTO: AAP /Renae Droop

Ms Mapp said the organisers did have a great show planned with a range of new acts.

“We are so disappointed,” she said.

The committee had spent thousands of dollars on repairs and upgrades.

Community members had even started to send in their entries for various sections.

Ms Mapp said she had no doubt other shows would also announce they were cancelling in coming weeks.

The Toowoomba Show, due to be held this weekend, has been cancelled.

Along with the Wandoan Show, Gayndah Show, Dalby, Dirranbandi, Marlborough, Mt Perry, Tambo, Barcoo, South Burnett, St George, Roma, Marburg, Mundubbera, Baralaba, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Atherton.

An RNA spokeswoman said a decision was yet to be made on the Ekka.

“With the Ekka scheduled to occur in five months-time, the RNA will work very closely with and be guided by the advice of health authorities and other government agencies to ensure the best outcome for public health is achieved,” the spokeswoman said.

“We will continue to monitor the situation daily and work very closely with State and Federal Governments and be guided by them on the staging of the show and make a decision in June as we get closer to the timing of the Ekka.

“The RNA is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our Ekka patrons and will follow and support all advice given to us by government on the staging of the show.”