COVID-19 has put a stop to Gawler’s biggest annual event, with organisers of the Gawler Show announcing its cancellation yesterday.
Gawler Show secretary Kate Cowell said the decision has been distressing and disappointing, but ensuring the health and safety of the Gawler Show community and the general public was paramount.
“We appreciate that the cancellation of the Gawler Show has a huge impact on our show community, particularly exhibitors and visitors who love attending the show as an annual tradition,” she said.
“There will be many people who will be very upset and disappointed with this decision, however, we hope our community understands.”
The Gawler Show was set to be held on the weekend of August 29 and 30 and expected to attract in excess of 30,000 people.
Restrictions on public gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic remain in place, with no certainty around when they will be lifted.
In a letter to sponsors and stakeholders, marketing administration assistant Tanya Veldkamp said it is only the third time in the Gawler Show’s 164-year history that the show has been cancelled.
It was previously cancelled in 1919 due to the Spanish Flu pandemic and in 1942 during WW2.
“In these uncertain times and not knowing when government bans will be lifted, we felt it was the right decision to make,” she said.
“This was in part due to increased public concern and to protect the health and safety of all our stakeholders and patrons.
“The decision not to go ahead with the 2020 show has not been taken lightly.”
While planning will now get underway for the 2021 show, organisers are also planning to run a free online competition in the coming months.
Mrs Cowell said they also haven’t ruled-out holding a smaller event in December.
“If the public has a really good idea they would like us to investigate, then we would love to hear from them because at the end of the day this event is for them,” she said.
“It’s about celebrating bringing our community back together.”
This year’s Royal Adelaide Show, due to be held from September 4 to 13, has also been cancelled, with organisers making the announcement earlier this month.