WITH just five months until its expected commencement date, the fate of this year’s Loxton Show remains uncertain.
The Royal Adelaide Show recently announced this year’s event would be cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, sparking fears that the Riverland event may be in the same boat.
President of the Loxton Agriculture and Horticulture Society Bill Shannon said organisers would proceed with preparations for the local event as normal, despite the Adelaide Show’s cancellation.
“It’s still up in the air for the time being,” Mr Shannon said.
“We’re a month later (than the Royal Adelaide Show), so we’ve got a few weeks down the track before things can be announced.
“So we’re preparing for the show, but we’re well aware of where the situation is, and we’re certainly going to abide by the rules and the health authorities (instructions) until we’re told we’re not allowed to have our show.”
Mr Shannon said the society was awaiting advice and guidance from relevant health and government officials on whether it would be safe to proceed.
Additionally, he said the decision would depend on whether the recreation grounds – where the event is hosted – would re-open.
The grounds are governed by the District Council of Loxton Waikerie, and are currently closed amid government restrictions.
Mr Shannon said if they remain closed, then organisers would be forced to postpone the event.
District Council of Loxton Waikerie CEO David Beaton said the council would assist where possible.
“We are really supportive of the show, but it’s a decision (the society is) going to have to make at some stage on whether it goes ahead or it’s going to be cancelled,” he said.
“It’s a major event for the town, but it’s one of those things, where all of us are having to adapt. You see how big the Royal Adelaide Show is and what it does for their community – the Loxton Show does similar for our area.”
Mr Shannon said the society would work hard to put on the next show, whether it is possible this year or delayed until 2021.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said community response to the show’s potential cancellation proves just how important it is to the community.
“I think what it does now is it gives us a focus on how important the Loxton Show is to the Loxton and wider Riverland and Mallee community because it is one of the great surviving community events in country South Australia,” he said.
Mr Whetstone encouraged locals to show support for the event when it is safe to take place.