BUMPER WEEKEND
CITY PUTS ON A SHOW:
COVID may have put a damper on the Cairns Show this year but the event’s spirit will be kept alive through a scaled back two-day attraction.
Despite a pint-sized offering this year in response to health concerns, the mini show is expected to offer some long weekend fun to families and provide a boost to Showman Guild members struggling under cancellations.
The Showbag Warehouse’s Shelly Pink-Easy said the COVID-friendly pop-up event would offer much-loved carnival fare and rides.
“We have dodgem cars, Dagwood dogs and fairy floss with fresh cream waffles,” she said.
“And we have got over 50 show bags, a kiddies merry-goround and a variety of games.
“What we are really trying to do is keep the feel of the show alive and for it not to be forgotten, and we will be back bigger and better next year.
“For the Cairns Show is Australia’s number one show in my opinion.”
The Showman’s Guild member said ride operators had been impacted by forced shut downs of agricultural shows across the country.
“All shows in Australia have been cancelled … and even into early next year,” she said.
“We have members all over the country who are completely out of work.”
Cairns Show Association Ian Allen said it was disappointing the show could not go ahead in its usual form this year but was glad to be able to offer something.
“The main reason is to keep the show spirit alive,” Mr Allen said.
“Like all businesses it was a large impact that we couldn’t have a larger show but I do know that all the businesses around town are doing it tough so that’s why we gave them free entry into the showgrounds.
“Certainly we are working on the show for 2021 and to have it bigger and better.”
Queensland Health officials have inspected the showground site and have given the mini show the green light to go ahead.
However usual social distancing regulations will apply to show goers attending the Parramatta Park venue.