The decision to cancel the 2020 Wauchope Show has been met with support from Wauchope residents.
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The Show Society made the decision to cancel just the second annual show in its 110 year history at a board meeting on March 14.
The decision follows a move to cancel the Sydney Royal Easter Show and a federal government plan to restrict gatherings of over 500 people because of concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
President Neil Coombes said the call to cancel the show was "a bloody hard decision".
Current Showgirl winner Kimberley Tout said "it breaks my heart" that the 2020 show has been cancelled.
"However I completely understand that it was a necessary decision for our community to make," she said.
"Whilst it was an incredibly difficult decision for Wauchope Show Society, we have made the right choice in prioritising the health of our community members.
"I believe the most upsetting aspect is that a lot of time and effort goes into the planning and execution of our show every year.
"It is very saddening to know that all of our work over the past eleven months has resulted in us not holding our show.
"I'm proud of our community for supporting our decision to cancel this year's show.
"I know that the members of our community would be just as upset as I am and that they will wholeheartedly support the 2021 event."
Regular show attendee and Wauchope resident Carol Higgins said the 2020 local show had to be cancelled.
"The decision will disappoint many people, particularly those preparing their exhibits for the event," she said. "I guess the young ones will miss the fireworks display too.
"However, the cancellation of the Sydney Royal Easter Show really meant that the local event could not go ahead."
Mrs Higgins said the cancellation also meant that some doubters of the impacts of the coronavirus may now take it more seriously.
Donna Andrew agreed the decision was disappointing but added that "it was a good decision".
"While it is difficult to imagine the COVID-19 virus here, I think it is good not to have too many people congregating together," she said.
Michael Versace said he was 50/50 on the decision.
"The exposure we have here in rural and regional areas is not as great as in metropolitan areas," he said. "But you don't really know who is coming into town from outside the region, do you."
We have a really good show here - it's not called Royal of the North for nothing.
- Neil Coombes
Mr Coombes said the decision was based around doing what is right.
"It was a bloody hard decision. Once the Sydney Royal Easter Show closed down for the year, I thought that we would have to follow suit," he said.
"We have a really good show here - it's not called Royal of the North for nothing.
"I've been involved in exhibiting at shows since I was about eight years old, showing cattle at Comboyne, Gloucester and Macksville. I was also involved with the Maitland Show Society when I lived down there too.
"The decision to cancel the show had to happen but that doesn't make it any easier of a decision," he said.
Mr Coombes said virtually all aspects of the 2020 event had been covered, including purchasing ribbons, trophies and booking accommodation for judges. A deposit had also been paid to cover the entertainment for the two-day event.
"Entries, which will be refunded, were just starting to come in," he added.
Mr Coombes understood there would be some disappointment in the community.
"Everyone waits all year for the show - they are just like us - and when it doesn't happen it is very sad and disappointing," he said.
"It was a hard decision for us to make.
"But we are doing the right thing. I don't like the idea of not having the show, but there is virtually nothing we can do now until next year.
"And while I really feel for our town and valley, you also have to think about the Showmen's Guild that run the sideshow. They don't have an income until they can work."
And while I really feel for our town and valley, you also have to think about the Showmen's Guild that run the sideshow. They don't have an income until they can work.
- Neil Coombes
Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokesperson Lisa McPherson said the annual show was a window to the community.
"Broadly speaking, the events industry is going to be heavily impacted by cancellations of events," she said.
"As a association representative of business, we understand and appreciate the level of impact this is going to have."
She said the flow-on effect would impact local businesses and suppliers to the event industry.
Ms McPherson urged business operators to seek advice on any government assistance available.
"We really feel for the Wauchope Show Society because they have been longstanding members of this community," she added.
Ms McPherson urged residents to be calm, follow instructions as they become available and keep an eye out for each other.
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