SAFETY concerns sparked by wet weather has forced the cancellation of all outdoor events at this year’s Kerang Agricultural Show, which was set to take place on Monday.
But events inside pavilions will go ahead from 1.30pm on Monday, and organisers hope locals will still turn out to support the event.
The move comes as the township received more than 25mm of rainfall this week, with around 13mm recorded on Tuesday night.
“That was unfortunately the icing on the cake,” show secretary Lorraine Morris said.
“We made the tough decision early this morning, naturally it’s very disappointing but we had no option.”
The move was a massive setback for the 16 members of the show committee who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s comeback, which like many agricultural shows was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Ms Morris said the safety of competitors and showgoers was paramount.
“The grounds are not safe,” she said.
“The committee is very sad to have to make this decision but in the interest of the public and exhibitors, we had no alternative.”
The cancellation, just days out from the event, is expected to result in some financial implications, however the extent of that, remains unknown at this stage.
Ms Morris said $17,000 worth of entertainment had been booked for the show, and that had since been cancelled.
“It’s disappointing but life goes on,” she said.
“There’s not a lot we can do about it.”
Hoping to come out the other side bigger, better and stronger, Ms Morris encouraged the wider Kerang district to show their support for the event by attending the pavilions which would open on Monday.
She said the pavilions provided a wonderful opportunity for the community to showcase and share their talents.
“The pavilions will provide a lovely display of open and junior cooking, craft, photography, knitting, crochet, children’s art and craft, flowers, garden and farm produce, cereal and fodder,” Ms Morris said.
