The entire September 1, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

Uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 restrictions has continued to claim community events with Horsham’s annual agricultural show and Murtoa’s Big Weekend, including Murtoa Show, among latest victims.

Officials confirmed the cancellation of both events while announcing alternative activities to maintain patron engagement.

Horsham Agricultural Show executive officer Andrea Cross said the society had adopted a theme of ‘the show’s off, so let’s show off’ in presenting an online Horsham Show.

“Given the success of a virtual show we had last year it has made our ability to pivot easier. We know what works well and what to avoid. Keeping it simple is the key, especially at such short notice,” she said.

“We’ll have a show day on September 26, but it will be online where we announce the winners of about 15 competition classes. 

“We already have more than 50 entries for a photography section, which is obviously image based and has gone ahead regardless, and other classes will range from decorated biscuits to pictures involving your pet. Details on how to enter will be on our Facebook page.”

Organisers of Jeparit and Goroke shows have also cancelled their events.

Kaniva A & P Society Committee announced the cancellation of the Kaniva Show for 2021 today.

Mrs Cross said the society had held out as long as possible on making a decision.

“The society is dedicated to reinvigorating our show, which is so much a part of Horsham district community culture,” she said.

“We are also exploring the best way to celebrate a 100-year milestone for Horsham Showground’s historic Weldon Power entry gates.”

Mrs Cross said the society continued to look forward to presenting community events at its headquarters at Maydale Reserve and thanked people who had responded to a call for members.

Mrs Cross, who had explained in The Weekly Advertiser that 1000 $55 memberships would provide the society with financial stability to plan for and run future events, said more than 100 new members had responded to the call.

“We actually managed to raise more than $9000 in two weeks, which has also included significant donations. We even had responses from Western Australia, NSW, Melbourne and Geelong and people from all walks of life, which was wonderful,” she said.

“We’ve had to think quickly to reward our new members and we’ve introduced discounts for future events.

“It’s about providing events and opportunities out of Maydale Reserve. It’s not just the fabulous events we put on, but also activities that help develop skills in people with disabilities and long-term unemployed through partnership programs we have with local job providers.”

The cancellation of Murtoa’s Big Weekend 2021 from October 1 to 3 and Murtoa Show have also come as a blow.

Murtoa’s Big Weekend committee spokesperson Natasha Pietsch said competitions were still open for community involvement and included a scarecrow competition with a movie or fairy-tale-character theme and a Murtoa A and P Society colouring competition.

“These creative elements will provide fun for all ages and offer prizes for various categories,” she said.

“Although the usual enormous timetable of events is unfortunately not offered this year, the community and visitors to Murtoa can still enjoy the usual high-quality tourist attractions of The Stick Shed and Murtoa Historical Precinct, including Water Tower Museum, Concordia College and railway station and the exciting Murtoa Cup on October 2.

“Looking forward, the Murtoa’s Big Weekend and Murtoa Show committees are already planning a bigger and better Murtoa’s Big Weekend in 2022. Next year will mark Murtoa’s 150th year, and Murtoa Show will celebrate its 136th year.”

Further details and up-to-date information about the Murtoa events is available on websites www.country.racing.com/murtoa and www.murtoabigweekend.com.au.