DEIRDRE GRAHAM
ORGANISERS of this year’s Karoonda Farm Fair and Show are hoping to tap into the post-2020 enthusiasm for outdoor events, and welcome bumper crowds to the two-day event next month.
The Farm Fair and Show will be held on April 9 and 10, with a new purpose-built $230,000 shed set to be finished in plenty of time.
The shed’s concrete was poured last week, and with electrical work almost finished, only the minor touches, such as the surrounds, are yet to be done.
Farm Fair and Show manager Ray Bald said organisers were looking forward to welcoming crowds of people, after the show was cancelled last year due to COVID-19.
“We believe, and it has been the same for other shows, there will be a lot more people attending (than previous years),” Mr Bald said.
“I think people are wanting to get out and see things, just get out basically, instead of being cooped up in their city or town.
“The attendances at other events have been exceptional and we are hoping that that will rub off on us.”
Mr Bald said the event provided lots to see for new and seasoned visitors.
“I think if you have never been before you will get a pleasant surprise to see what is there and what exhibitors are there,” he said.
“We have included a show part to it, but it is all very much about promotion of agriculture, and that to me is what people see and are blown away with – just the diversity of the exhibitors.”
Mr Bald said the event had something for everyone.
“There’s the kids’ pavilion, and (they) have been doing an excellent job there to get things a little bit different each year,” Mr Bald said.
“There’s other entertainment throughout the day too. If you don’t want to continue walking through exhibits you can sit down and listen to music, or watch a fashion parade or attend a gardening talk – which is always popular.
“The real new attraction is a reptile display that is coming down from Queensland.
“Friday night will be excellent, as we will be watching the shearing on the big screen – so if people want to stay for the evening that’s good fun until 10pm.”