General News
23 September, 2021
Noorat Show to adapt amid COVID uncertainty
ONE of Victoria’s most popular agricultural shows will run a series of small community events instead of a full one-day program due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
ONE of Victoria’s most popular agricultural shows will run a series of small community events instead of a full one-day program due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
On Monday evening, the committee of the Noorat and District Agricultural and Pastoral Society voted against holding a typical show day because of the high risk of cancellation and uncertainty of what would be allowed on November 20 under government restrictions.
Noorat Show president Monica Heffernan said to keep the spirit of the show alive the committee instead voted to run a handful of livestock and homecrafts events, with details around when they would be held to be confirmed.
“Like most organisers of large community events, we were really hopeful earlier in the year but when the situation in Victoria worsened again it was clear that holding a normal show day with all of the attractions families are drawn to would not be feasible,” she said.
“Offering a handful of small events on different days will be more manageable with the coronavirus restrictions expected to be in place later in the year, while still giving our community something to look forward to whether that be baking the best fruit cake or winning a ribbon with their favourite calf.”
Mrs Heffernan said planning for the 2021 show began as soon as the 2020 show was cancelled and the committee was disappointed to find themselves in this position for a second consecutive year.
“The upside is that we continue to be well supported by our sponsors and volunteers, and for that we are incredibly grateful,” she said.
“It’s taken a pandemic to stop us holding the 2020 and 2021 shows and I know I won’t be the only one excited about making next year’s show on November 19 the best one yet.
“There’s nothing like show day; it’s just a good old-fashioned day out made possible by a great group of local people and sponsors.
“We certainly have our fingers and toes crossed that there will be nothing in the way of people making the trip to Noorat on the third Saturday of November over the years to come.”
The Noorat Show has bucked the trend of declining attendance numbers at agricultural shows, with the 2019 show attracting hundreds of entrants from across the state and about 7000 people through the gate.
For more information on the new look events visit www.facebook.com/nooratshow.
