Mount Gravatt Show cancelled, first year since WWII the show will not go ahead

For the first time since WWII, this beloved Brisbane event won’t be going ahead, as it joins the likes of the Ekka, the Paniyiri Greek Festival and Redcliffe Kite festival as another major drawcard that’s fallen victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Little George McEntyre 9 months poses for a photograph at the Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, Thursday June 6, 2019. It has been 104 years since the inaugural Mt Gravatt Show took place. (AAP/Image Sarah Marshall)

ON the website of the Mount Gravatt Show Society, an automated timer ticks down the seconds until this year’s show, which was to be July 25 – 26.

However, the timer is now a relic of the pre-coronavirus world after the management committee announced the show would not be going ahead this year and will instead return the same weekend next year.

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“As a result of the societal and economic impacts of the coronavirus panic (we) have made the difficult but responsible decision to cancel this year’s annual show,” president Kim Goss said.

The Mt Gravatt Show. Picture: Supplied

It comes less than a fortnight after the Ekka was cancelled for the third time in its 144-year history.

This is the first year there will be no Mt Gravatt Show since WWII, although it was relocated for a period in the 1970s during a dispute with Brisbane City Council.

“It was worth noting that when the Mt Gravatt Show returned to the present grounds in 1979 after a long absence, it was one of the largest shows in our 105-year history,” Mr Goss said.

Mr Goss said the society agonised over the decision but struck a hopeful note.

“Of course, we are concerned about all the showies and stall holders who rely on income from the annual shows for their livelihood. Many families also look forward to the show each year,” he said.

Miss Showgirl 2018 Temika Smith from Mansfield at the Mt Gravatt Show. Picture: Brian Bennion

“It will be challenging as we reinvigorate our dedicated volunteers, show exhibits and stall holders.

“But I am sure that, as we come out of this dreadful period in our nation’s history, we will all want to celebrate the good life we have in Australia, the community we live in and the friendships we enjoy.”